Dove

A Sioux Love Story

Courting is a serious ritual for a young warrior. The selection of a wife is a task that takes careful planning and a great deal of effort. He not only has to capture the heart of a young maiden, but he has to gain the consent of the girl's father.


Haggling over her value may take many days. The more handsome she is, the more she will cost. Eventually a payment of horses, robes and other fine items will be agreed upon to complete the deal.

The young brave in this bronze is courting with his flute. Before arriving to his present position, he had mounted his finest horse and ridden through the village, stirring the dust and shouting to gain the attention of the young maiden. He has ridden to the edge of the village, seated himself on a large rock, speaks to the spirits and begins to play love songs on his flute.

If the young woman is not interested in his advances, she will pay no attention to him. If she is curious, she will stand at a distance and listen. The maiden in the sculpture is attracted and has brought him a gift of an eagle feather, the finest gift she can give, to say, "Go and speak to my father."

The words he has spoken to the spirits of his grandfathers are cut into the sandstone rock upon which he is seated.

"Oh how I play my magic flute
The haunting tones of love.
Oh how I play my magic flute
To call my waiting dove."
~Bob Stayton