Water Spirit Bird

Water Spirit Bird,, 1980
Chiricahua (Warm Springs) Apache, 1914-1994)
Bronze, edition 8 of 10
Bequest of Ann B. Ritt, (HEARD, #4690-35)
Photo ©Joan Ann Lansberry 2016-2019
 
"This stylized bronze represents avian essence in its elegant simplicity. It depicts the Water Bird, an iconographic symbol associated with the Native American Church. The Native American Church has roots in Oklahoma dating back to the 1880s and blends traditional Native religious concepts and Christianity. Peyote meetings consist of an all-night ceremony, usually held in a tipi. At midnight, the participants are allowed to drink water, which is associated with life and healing. Often times, fans are made from the tail feathers of the water bird, and these are used for healing." (Info Card)