Joe Beeler (American, 1931-2006) Chief Goes To Washington, Artist's Proof

Joe Beeler
(American, 1931-2006)
Chief Goes To Washington, Artist's Proof
bronze
signed Joe Beeler and stamped AP/35 (base)
height 19 x width 13 1/2 x depth 14 1/2 inches
Property from the Collection of a Missouri Company

Provenance:

In 1990, the relationship between Native American peoples and the American government was shaped by an ongoing fight for sovereignty, rights, and recognition. This period saw a heightened awareness and activism surrounding Indigenous issues, a culmination of the movements that had gained momentum in the preceding decades. The passing of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), which aimed to protect Native American graves and cultural material and facilitate the return of such items to their tribes, was a significant milestone in 1990.

Chief Goes to Washington is Joe Beeler’s poignant and award-winning representation of the complex relationship between Native American leaders and the United States government. The sculpture captures a Native American chief in his traditional clothing, seated atop a podium, invoking the image the Lincoln memorial. He is an embodiment of dignity and resilience at a time when the voices of Native peoples often went unheard. Conceived the same year as the enactment of NAGPRA, this sculpture reflects Beeler's deep respect for Indigenous cultures and contextualizes the historical struggles faced by Native leaders as they navigated the politics of Washington D.C, often fraught with misunderstanding and conflict.
Condition Report: Height including base: 20 1/2 inches.Please contact the Western Art department at westernart@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or free from wear, imperfections or evidence of aging. All lots are sold “AS IS”. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to the client, is an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Hindman Auctions shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.