Floyd 'Red Crow' Westerman

Floyd Red Crow Westerman August 17 1936 December 13 2007 was a Dakota Sioux musician political activist and actor He was known for years as a renaissance man for his many talents dedication and passion A member of the Dakota Sioux nation he was an accomplished actor on the big and small screen for over 20 years a political advocate for indigenous and environmental causes worldwide and a popular singersongwriter performing with such stars as Willie Nelson Bonnie Raitt Don Henley and Kris Kristofferson to name just a few Red Crows last endeavor again merged his own life experiences with his distinctive brand of artistry With his most recent series of bronze sculptures he beautifully recreated the most sacred spiritual LakotaDakota Sacred Pipe as well as busts of the greatest most influential leaders in Native American history Legendary heroes Sitting Bull Geronimo and Chief Joseph who led their nations against persecution and the devastating invasion of their land in the mid19th century compose an ideal triumvirate on which part of this collectible art is based The pieces were personally sculpted by Red Crow in an impressionistic medium before being bronzed to create a fine patina glow Upon completion they were autographed by Red Crow and given an official authentication number The busts of the famous Native American leaders which stand approximately 112 feet high were handcrafted to match the pose of a corresponding historical photograph One noteworthy characteristic of these busts is the leaders eyes to which Floyd gave particular attention because in his words The eyes are key to the spirit of each of these men Plus they are of course the window to their soul