Tom McNeely (B. 1935) "Shoshone Headdress"

Tom McNeely (Canadian, B. 1935) "Shoshone Headdress" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 25c Shoshone Headdress stamp issued August 17, 1990.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

Onto the headdress of the Shoshone went pieces of the mountains where they lived. From the high, rocky crags came the tail feathers of a Golden Eagle; the deep snows of the high country yielded the fur of an ermine; from forests of pine and spruce came the feathers of the flicker and the quills of a porcupine. And each piece of the headdress had a special meaning: the ermine fur and eagle feathers gave the wearer protection ... the flicker feathers had healing powers. Great effort went into the making of each headdress -- prepared by the elders through an elaborate ceremony and accompanying song -- thus only the very great men of the Shoshone wore this badge of prestige and honor. Among the Shoshone, the chieftain did not obtain his prowess through heredity, it was obtained only through acts of bravery and valor. These deeds were then reflected in the headband of the war bonnet -- for every great feat there were two holes. In a land of deep canyons, snow-clad peaks and harsh desert -- today known as the north-central Rockies -- bravery was a necessity. Without it, the leader along with his entire band could perish, be it from enemy or elements. With it, the chieftain was destined for fame among his people. Yet the most famous Shoshone of all was a woman, Sacagawea, who led the Lewis and Clark expedition across the vast, unmapped expanse of the Louisiana Purchase and paved the way for later friendship between the whites and the Shoshone. Her contribution changed the history of the West.

Image Size: 27 x 21.5 in.
Overall Size: 27.5 x 22.25 in.
Unframed.
(B12303)
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