Ceramic 6.5" Sculpture of Native Woman and her 2 children. Artist signed Cheyenne Jim (Excellent Gift)

Size: 6.5" H
Width: 4"

This sculpture is a deep symbolic and culturally rich piece of art, embodying aspects of Native American heritage, maternal affection, and spiritual practice.

Standing at 6.5 inches tall, this sculpture is modest in size, making it an intimate piece that could grace a personal space or serve as a focal point in a smaller room. The sculpture depicts a Native American woman in a sitting position, an embodiment of stability and groundedness. She is holding her two children, a portrayal that evokes a sense of protection, love, and the continuity of generations.

Crafted from reddish clay, the sculpture carries the earth's natural tones, connecting it to the natural world, a central theme in many Native American cultures. The choice of clay and its color reflects traditional pottery techniques and materials, grounding the piece in the authenticity of indigenous artistry. The minimalist style of the sculpture strips away unnecessary detail, focusing on the essence of the figures and the emotions they convey. This simplicity allows the viewer to engage more deeply with the sculpture's symbolic meaning, filling in the details with their imagination and personal interpretation.

Atop the woman's head is a feather, a potent symbol within many Native American communities. Depending on the specific cultural context, feathers can signify respect, honor, courage, and connection to the spiritual world. Its inclusion here may hint at the woman's personal qualities or her spiritual significance within her community.

Perhaps the most striking and unusual feature of the sculpture is the opening at the woman's womb. This could be interpreted in several ways: as a representation of the birth canal, symbolizing life and creation; or as a space for holding incense, linking the sculpture to practices of purification, prayer, and communication with the spiritual realm. This aspect of the design transforms the sculpture from a static piece of art into an interactive object that can participate in the daily or ceremonial life of its owner.

The piece is signed by the artist, Cheyenne Jim, which not only marks it as a unique work of art but also as a cultural artifact that carries the personal touch and creative vision of its maker. The signature ties the sculpture to a specific individual's interpretation of their cultural heritage and artistic tradition, adding depth to its meaning and value as an object of art and history.

In essence, this sculpture is not just a representation of a Native American woman and her children; it is a conduit for cultural expression, personal and communal identity, and spiritual beliefs, rendered in a form that invites contemplation, reverence, and interaction.