"Faces Of The Plains"

Warrior masks represent the Plains Indians in face paint during the glory days of the Lakota, Cheyenne, Arapahoe and Kiowa nations.  Misnamed 'war paint' by the white man, the warriors used self decoration when hunting, meeting other friendly or warring adversaries, or in any situation demanding a presence.  The face paint designated their purpose and personality.  For instance, a Holy Man would paint white circles on his chest and shoulders to represent hailstones, the sign of special powers.  The sturdy ponies were also decorated with streaks of lightning for speed, and the riders own symbols for protection.

Warriors represented have authentic names, bestowed by the artist, and taken from Historic accounts of the 'Indian Wars'.  Face paint was also researched, and only slight liberties were taken in the rendering.  Wind Woman pleads artistic license.   The ceramic masks are 50% lifesize.  Face Paint is limited to shades of natural colors available to the warriors; red, black, white and yellow.  Legal fur and feathers are used to adorn, along with beads, cowry shells and tin cones.  Some Cheyenne traded at Bent's Fort where the Mexican influence was paramount, ergo some silver Concho's are used, as are scraps of 'skin' from the Jaguar, that ranged in the southern hemisphere in the 1840's.  Most masks are mounted on finished wood plaques measuring 12 by 15 inches, painted flat black for continuity in hanging if more than one is purchased.  Picture wire is installed and masks are ready to hang.  Custom colors in adornments are welcome, face paint will be coordinated.  Colored feathers, available commercially, can be applied if desired, otherwise pheasant and wild turkey will be used.

All materials used in the creation of the warrior masks, as well as all other pieces by Wind Woman, are made from legal, faux or reproductions of the original matter.