Painted Buffalo Skull Number Two
Acrylic on Metal
Sphinx Mountain Saddlery
https://www.sphinxmountainsaddlery.com
 
The North American Bison (Buffalo) is probably the most revered animal to the Plains Indian and other tribes within North America. Tatanka provided abundance in the form of food, clothing, medicine, tools and shelter. Also, as important, this includes the physical and spiritual needs of the people that were dependent on the Buffalo. The skull was used for sacred ceremonies, serving as conduits for prayers. Skulls were also placed outside of lodges, offering information about the dwellers inside as well as protecting them. Today, Tatanka continues to be an important symbol to Native American tribes who still perform sacred ceremonies and utilize the skull and its meaning to protect their lodge and offer prayers to Wakan Tanka.
 
The North American Bison is respected as a symbol of the divine because for Native Americans, the buffalo was a “banquet” for the people. Because of the American buffalo’s great importance to the people, a buffalo symbol or skull is present in all sacred rituals. It stands as a reminder of this great animal, which gives completely of itself for others. It is a symbol of self-sacrifice; it gives until there is nothing left. The people in their lives imitated this. To be generous and give what you have to others in need, or to honor them, is one of the most highly respected ways of behaving.
 
Because of the American buffalo's great importance to the people, a buffalo symbol or skull is present in all sacred rituals. The American buffalo skulls encompass power, strength, abundance and resilience. With a Buffalo Skull mounted on your wall, you're showing your appreciation for its role in the world and your closeness to natural matter.
 
With admiration and respect this Painted Buffalo Skull Number Two was drawn from a photograph of a 19th century bison skull in a private collection in New Mexico. The original skull was painted with pigments in red and black with star and sun symbols and circular motifs. Native Americans of the western plains painted these geometric motifs. These majestic animals embody the “Old West” and are integral to many traditional ways of life and religious beliefs. In fact, the oldest painted object ever discovered in North America was a bison skull.
 
It’s drawn on cold pressed steel using acrylic paint pens. The background metal is rusted and painted. Allowing the paint to mix with the rust creates a unique, weathered color and expression. This particular background has only one coat of white paint, thus allowing the rust to completely bleed through. The edges are wrapped in patinaed copper. The back is finished and has D-Rings for hanging. Overall size is Approximately 21” X 27”