Cheyenne Mother by Howard Terpning.

 

"A nation is not conquered

Until the hearts of its women are on the ground.

Then it is finished,

No matter how brave its warriors

Or how strong their weapons."   —  Cheyenne proverb.

 

Award-winning CA artist Howard Terpning captures the solemn pride—and tenderness—of a young Cheyenne mother. She poses in her everyday dress of doeskin, a cradleboard secured to her back by straps around her chest and shoulders. From her belt hangs a knife in an elaborately fringed and beaded sheath.

 

Textured canvas released 2000.