April 3, 1513- December 29, 1890

“In memory of all Native American Indian men, women, and children who died in their fight for freedom.”

I was inspired to do this piece based on a book I read entitled “American Indian Holocaust and Survival” by Russell Thornton.  In a span of 400 years, the Native American Indian population fell between 4-8 million people.  Factors leading to the Indian demise included warfare, genocide, internment, slavery, and “The Broken Spirit.” An American Holocaust.

Around the base is a passage from the book of John 19:17-18.  “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called The Place of the Skull.”

Ironically, some of the Indian demise can be linked to their lack of assimilation to Christianity.  I decided to use the symbol of the cross and show the buffalo skull in its place.  With the death of the buffalo, also came the death of the Indian.  I used the symbol of the flag to represent the concepts of “Manifest Destiny,” that we as Euro-Americans were destined by God to own this land 
 (The America).

An American Holocaust 

Edition 40

24”H x 20”W x 21”D 

(Bronze)