Petalesharo

Petalesharo (Man Chief) was a Pawnee warrior from the Skidi tribe who was born in 1797 in what is now known as Nebraska. He is most famous for his protests against the sacred and religious spring solstice traditions of the Skidi Pawnee. He vehemently opposed the ritual in which they captured a young child from an enemy tribe and offered her in sacrifice to the Morning Star, one of their tutelary gods. He was about 20 years old when he is said to have rescued a Comanche maiden from the sacrificial pyre, cutting the bonds that held her, carrying her to a horse to escape, then feeding and protecting her as he led her back to the safety of her tribe. The story of this heroic deed was printed in newspapers as far east as Washington D. C. Thus when Petalesharo went to Washington as a member of a sixteen Indian delegation in the winter of 1821-1822, he was greeted by President Monroe, his cabinet, most of Congress, and the entire Supreme Court. He was also given a silver medal by a young school girl from Miss White's Seminary for Select Young Ladies in honor and commemoration of his brave act. It was inscribed with the words "To the Bravest of the Brave".

Limited Edition 12 — 29"H x 17"W x 19"D — $6500

Note: A 10 inch square, 1 5/8 inch high wood base has also been added to the sculpture.