This is a Crow Indian of the pre-Reservation period, about 1850. I wanted to try to show the strength of character in the man, with a lot of focus on his eyes. He has an elk hide wrapped around him which may look worn, but the chiefs gained prestige within their band or tribe if they did not flaunt wealth. They'd be more inclined to give things away and be more austere in appearance than their comrades. This was a sign of leadership.

Here he has a bow case made out of mountain lion skin with bead work on it. I wanted to create a strong pattern with the shape of the bow case coming up diagonally, leading up to the face and the old Crow war bonnet with the eagle feathers, then back down the right side. I wanted to paint a strong, simple portrait of a man. - HT