Copperworks Artist David Gerton Presents ‘War Bonnets’

Hello Art Lovers. Sure Happy It’s Thursday which is kinda like TGIF except different letters. 

Continuing with the Native American Art Series, here is the first WAR BONNETS piece by Copper Works artist David M. Gerton! 

War Bonnets are feathered headdresses traditionally worn by male leaders of the American Plains Indians Nations, who have earned a place of great respect in their tribes. In old times they were sometimes worn into battle, but primarily used for ceremonial occasions. They are seen as items of great spiritual and political importance, and should only be worn by those who have earned the right and honor through formal recognition by their people. There are no formal rules as to design, which can vary from tribe to tribe and contain different materials. In the 19 century many contained trade beads, Eagle feathers, animal bones and pelts, shells, turquoise and gemstone embellishments, and stroud cloth a material made from heavy wool used in blankets such as the Hudson Bay blankets that were traded with the Native Americans of North America. 

Prior to European contact, there were no horse cultures, but they flourished after the introduction of horses in the 17th century and through the late 19th century. This was when their historic nomadism became an armed resistance to domination by the governments and military forces of Canada and the United States.

This piece is a mixed media, Copper, alcohol ink, acrylic, and Crystal resin. It is a Diptych simply titled “WAR BONNET”. 19” high by 25” wide in an antique gold shadow box frame. On the left is Chief Redfeather, who may have lived on or around Red Feather, Lakes, and the Village of Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. On the right is “CHIEF”. CHIEF could be from any number of tribes on the plains but is most likely Lakota Sioux. 

THIS IS THE ARTIST’S FAVORITE WORK’.

FIND THE HEARTS!  There are two of them.