Sandra Okuma - Shoshone/Bannock and Luiseno

"I generally paint contemporary Indian themes, powwow or Indian festivals and fair images. I chose this subject because of the beautiful attire that powwow participants create and wear. From the colorful and flashy fancy dance, to the beautiful and dignified traditional dress. I try to capture the beauty of this clothing and the dignity of the individuals that wear it." - Sandra Okuma
  
 


#2401 -SWALLOW WOMAN
 "Now the Swallow begins its singing,
Now the Swallow begins its singing.
And the poor women who are with me,
The poor women commence to sing.
The Swallows met in the standing cliffs,
The Swallows met in the standing cliffs.
And the rainbows arched above me,
there the blue rainbow arches met."
- Swallow Song, Pima


#2402 - CRADLE BABY GIRL
"Grandmother walks
on star's trail
Carrying a cradleboard;
Inside a precious gift
- a baby girl."
- Valerie Henderson, Comanche

#2403 - CRADLE BABY BOY
"Wearing his Grandfather's spirit
Like a robe comes
a little boy,
He brings hope
brighter than sunrise."
- Valerie Henderson, Comanch

#2404 -THREE YOUNG DANCERS
"She shyly glances at you
From beneath dark eyelashes.
Her bronze fingers unsteady
As she ties abalone discs onto her braids.
A young woman, she wants to give her heart.
Watch her dance gracefully by fire's light.
She is so beautiful to see."
- Valerie Allen Henderson
Nez Perce/Umatilla

#2405 -BRIGHT ARE THE STARS
Ancestral homes shining bright in a midnight sky, Stars shooting north, south. east, west,
Grandfather and Grandmother
watching over us, protecting.
- Valerie Henderson, Comanche
  

For more of Sandra's images see "Open Edition Prints"

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