Vision Seakers-I

A Sculpture of a Sioux Ceremony

The Sioux called Vision Seeking "crying or lamenting." It was a ritualistic way of praying which was very important and stood at the center of their religion, for from it they received many "good things." -- From "The Sacred Pipe" by Brown.

The sculpture "Vision Seekers" depicts a young brave receiving assistance in establishing visions to guide his life. A warrior must have a revelation to be fulfilled and completed. The young man has been unsuccessful in the past and has petitioned the male members of his Sioux family to help him.


He has climbed to this high place with his father and grandfather to perform the vision rites. Before coming to this sacred location, the Indians have bathed, cleansed themselves meticulously, and purified their bodies with the smoke from the pine needle and sage. They have painted their bodies with white clay to show their purity.

The paintings of white clay on the young man's body depict the sign of the great bear on the right of his chest. Rings of bondage circle each thigh and a half painted face shows the great spirit he is only half fulfilled. Strokes of white on the father's face and back shows the great one he is pure. A painted sun on the back of the grandfather protects an old lance wound from opening during stressful prayer.

The father holds the sacred skull of the buffalo toward the life giving sun. Grandfather offers up the pipe of peace and brotherhood to the "one-above." The young brave beats to the rhythm of his pulse on a ceremonial drum, accompanying the sacred sounds of song.

The family group has brought a sacred buffalo hide on which to pray. They first laid a layer of flat rocks on which to spread the hide. The huge robe is said to have the spirit of the great bear and the mighty eagle captured in the matted curls of the cape.

Four days of fasting and praying have produced the results depicted on the base of the sculpture. The young man's life is now fulfilled and he can go forth with confidence.


Sculptor's Remarks about this bronze:
Many people have asked why the figures have no eyes. I took away the subject's eyes because they are "out of body" and "In Spirit." The spirit of the "Great Bear" and the "Mighty Eagle" are in the curl of the cape.