22” x 28.5” Image Size - White Border - No Matting
Famous for their beautiful garments adorned with ribbon applique, the Osage Indians stand as one of the important nomadic Native American tribes of the Great Plains.
The hand symbol is one of the oldest in North America. Such motifs have been found incised on rocks, cut from mica, drawn and tattooed on bodies and faces, painted on clothing and favorite horses, and here they are sewn in silk on the Osage "friendship blanket". Hand motifs have symbolized spiritual power. They are an action symbol meaning "to do" or a symbol of presence saying "I am here", as well as a coup mark signifying a slain enemy, or a wound gotten in battle, or success in hand-to-hand combat.
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22” x 28.5” Image Size - White Border - No Matting
Famous for their beautiful garments adorned with ribbon applique, the Osage Indians stand as one of the important nomadic Native American tribes of the Great Plains.
The hand symbol is one of the oldest in North America. Such motifs have been found incised on rocks, cut from mica, drawn and tattooed on bodies and faces, painted on clothing and favorite horses, and here they are sewn in silk on the Osage "friendship blanket". Hand motifs have symbolized spiritual power. They are an action symbol meaning "to do" or a symbol of presence saying "I am here", as well as a coup mark signifying a slain enemy, or a wound gotten in battle, or success in hand-to-hand combat.
Click on Photo to view Full Image
The Osage friendship blanket embodies much of this spiritual meaning. Such blankets were highly valued and were given as gifts as a symbol of friendship or were presented at special occasions as a high honor. The name "M'on Sh'on" which is Osage for "Mother Earth" or "Sacred One," was given to this painting to express the spiritual ties that bind these ancient nomadic tribesmen to their beloved Great Plains.
