The latest work by artist Ben Pease is a tribute to one of the great Chief’s of the Crow Tribe, Sits in the Middle of the Land. Mixed media on canvas, 3’x4′ ($4000)
Ben writes “Awé Kúalawaachish/Sits In The Middle Of The Land, also known as Káamneewiash/Blood Woman and Blackfoot/Iché Shipíte (1795-1877) The principal Crow leader in the mid-1800’s. He used the metaphor of the four base tipi poles to describe the borders of Crow Country.”
“I have but one tipi. It has but four poles. It is held to the ground by big rocks. My east lodge pole touches the ground at the Black Hills; my south, the ground at the headwaters of the Wind River; my west, the snowcapped Absaroke and Beartooth Range; the north lodge pole rests on the Bearpaw Mountains.”
Sits in the Middle of the Land was the primary chief during the first agency years at Fort Parker. His eloquent oratories spoke of the challenges faced by his people, the Apsaalooke (Crow), as they were forced to transition from their traditional hunting lifestyle to a settled, agrarian way of life. His tall stature added to his power as a leader who guided his people through challenging times. He had a keen understanding of all Crow treaties and often surprised government officials with this knowledge. He fought hard for education and for the government to uphold their promises.
Ben describes his work as focused “on the American Indian Narrative in its varying appearances and renderings.” He explores “the nature of what being a “real Native American” actually means to people, which also brings to light the subject of truly being Native American or simply playing the part while holding a hatchet and wearing a feather.”
Ben’s work honors his traditional native roots while exploring the possibilities of contemporary imagery. He brings a fresh new vision to Native American art. Click on the image above to visit his website and learn more about this extraordinary young artist.
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