Born on the plains of Northwestern Wyoming at the edge of Yellowstone National Park, Dave McGary grew up with an understanding of the importance of the buffalo to the Native Americans. In the early 1800s enormous herds of buffalo roamed the plains rumbling across the land. During trips to the reservation, McGary heard stories of the buffalo and histories shared of the preparation and skills of the hunters. Twelve years in ideation and requiring six months to sculpt, The Providers shares the intensity of the chase as the mounted hunters race with the herd just moments before weapons find their mark.
Native Americans of the plains moved with the buffalo, many considered him sacred. As the ground thawed and the warmth returned, they prepared for the buffalo hunt. In the minds of the Plains Indians of 1750 - 1875, the classic buffalo hunt was the summer chase. Only the bulls were the target, the buffalo cows and the young were spared. Hunting them was close to warfare in its demands upon horsemanship and courage. To be included in the hunt was an honor for a young man, to not only provide for his own family but also for the less fortunate within the community. The hunt was a proving ground for the young. Bravery, horsemanship and weapon skills were tested in the danger of the stampede. Consider that the hunter holds in his hands his bow and arrow requiring expert horsemanship to guide his horse with only his knees.
This horse is a prized possession protected for his ability to respond both during the hunt and in battle. Valued so highly, horses were tied to shelters in the evening so their whereabouts was always known. Like it’s rider, the horse wears the markings of it’s achievements and paint specific for the hunt; the lightning bolt for speed and star painted around the eyes to enhance the vision of the horse. Honor feathers of eagle, owl and red tailed hawk, recognizing the worth and abilities of the horse are braided into it’s mane and tail.
Unlike the dress for battle with the enemy, the clothing of the hunter was very simple, stripped to the minimum to reduce their weight, free their movements and avoid tangling with the huge animals. The hunter wears leggings, showing coup marks or illustrations of his hunt or battle achievements. The re-curved bow for the buffalo hunt was designed for increased power, to offer the ability of the arrow to pierce completely through the animal. These prized bows were made of rare Osage Orangewood, available in limited quantities only through trade; rawhide with beadwork forming the grip of the handle and a bowstring made of sinew twisted and stretched.
The buffalo hunt became the focus of the community. In preparation, families gathered for dances and ceremonies, with members participating in buffalo masks and headdresses. The hunt extended for days until the needs of the community were met and then great celebrations occurred.
The buffalo used for the models in the bronze are descendants of the bison that were hunted in the Northern Plains by the Lakota (Sioux). These buffalo currently roam the Custer National Park in South Dakota. Bison can weigh as mush as 2,000 pounds. The earth literally shook as the buffalo thundered over it and few horses could match their speed. Charging bulls were described as “blind fury,” a vivid description of an animal with poor eyesight but great strength, tenacity and agility.
Every part of a the buffalo, or “tatanka” as the Lakota called them, supported the families. The meat of the animal was eaten, some immediately and some worked into pemmican or jerky. The hides of these buffalo became moccasins, cradles, winter robes, leggings, dresses, belts, bags, and dolls. Rawhide was used in cinches, drums, ropes, thongs, and saddles. The hair can be found in headdresses, halters and saddle pads. Horns were fashioned into cups, powderhorns, spoons and toys. The tail could be used as a switch or whip. Hooves and feet became glue or a rattle. Pouches and medicine bags were made of the animals bladder. Bones carved into knives, arrowheads, shovels, saddle trees and the largest into winter sleds. Portions of the animal’s stomach became containers for water or food storage. Bows, thread, arrows and saddle cinches were made from muscle. Nothing was wasted.
Created to show the engagement of the pursuit, only five hooves of the animals touch the base, one buffalo is suspended completely in the air. The Providers is a celebration of the hunt, the extension of the rider with his horse and the magnificence of the American buffalo. The buffalo hunt was a not just pursuit of food but, a rite of passage for the providers of the family.
