Description

Standing His Ground is about bravery, courage, and being willing to stand for what is important.

Whenever a warrior was faced with insurmountable odds in enemy territory, he would dismount and tie himself to the ground and then prepare to make the last stand. The warrior demonstrated ‘This is as far as I’m going.’

This bronze warrior stands with his quiver of arrows slung over his shoulder. His bow is ready to fire with an arrow nocked. His clothing is symbolic of regalia worn during battle – a feather in his hair, a turkey breast plate on his chest and leggings. There are arrows protruding from the ground.

One of the most important parts of the statue, is a small strap flowing from the bottom of the warrior’s leggings. The strap starts at the warrior’s waist, then travels down the legging to the floor, where it is stuck to the ground with the spear. Kelly has said that when warriors were faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, they would stake themselves to the ground by driving their spears through the strap. It was a sign, he said, of bravery and courage.

Condition: Excellent – original condition.
Provenance: Acquired from a private collection in Santa Fe, New Mexico.