Two Crows, Hidatsa Chief, 1834

Dave McGary's adaptation for the daring and bravery of the Hidatsa warrior, in his Upper Missouri River series is evident in this, his newest Masterwork. The powerful image of Péhriska-Rúhpa, (Two Ravens or Two Crows), presents the Dog Soldier, warrior and chief of the Hidatsa as a strong figure of dignity. He assumes the persona that would have been native to all men of power and rank, his worth displayed in his regalia and adornment.

Around his neck a strand of grizzly bear claws, spaced with trade beads of blue, fastened to a roll of otter skin decorates his broad chest. Symbols of significant wealth, these necklaces made from the fore-claws of bears taken in the Spring when the claws were largest. The red trade wool pieces around his ankles also indicate his prominence in society. The cluster of owl feathers on his head piece associates him to the prestigious Dog Society. Two Crows was the headman of the Dog Soldiers and Black Mouth Societies. The Black Mouth served as the police force within the Hidatsa Nation. The great warrior displays his exploits on his shirt and holds a lance with spike feathers of the eagle and scalps of "Enemies Past." His long hair adorned with beads, trade bells and feathers of honor. An exclusive tribal characteristic, bears grease, oiled hair was believed to promote growth to its utmost ability.

The Hidatsa, closely related to the Crow, called themselves "the people of the willows" Originally, there were three groups of people who spoke similar languages and ultimately became known collectively as the Hidatsa: The Awatixa, or "people of rock village," and the Awaxawi, or "people of the mountain," and the Hidatsa proper, who roamed an area from Devil's Lake to the Little Missouri River.

Once the Hidatsa were divided into three groups. The main group believed they came from under the earth near Devil's Lake. According to legend, they came to the surface of the earth by climbing a vine. Not everyone could emerge, however, because a pregnant woman became stuck in the hole; thus, there still are Hidatsa people living inside the earth.

The three groups probably lived close to each other for mutual protection. Like the Mandan and the Crow, the Hidatsa were Siouan speakers. The three village groups spoke distinctive dialects. It is not clear why the Hidatsa separated from the Crow. As tradition has it, their leaders quarreled after a buffalo hunt over who should have the honor of receiving the paunch, prized for its utility as a water carrier. The man who was deprived of the prize took his people and moved West. The Mandan called their Hidatsa neighbors Minnetari, which means "people from across the water." The Hidatsa had crossed the Missouri River from the east to live near the Mandan on the western shore. At the time of their first contact with explorers and fur traders, the Hidatsa settled near the mouth of the Knife River in Western North Dakota, and are prized for flint that was easily shaped into knife blades and arrowheads.

A group of Hidatsa settled with the Mandan at the mouth of the Heart River as early as 1550. Over time, their numbers reduced by smallpox, the Hidatsa and the Mandan lived together, and their customs became nearly identical.At times, the Mandan and Hidatsa's success as gardeners helped to protect them from their more aggressive neighbors, the Sioux. After harvest, the tribes sold their surplus crops during trade fairs that lasted up to two months. Feasts and dances were prevalent during the barter fairs, since it was important to forge close ties with their trading partners. There were some 1500 Hidatsa in the United States in 1990.

Dave McGary's Masterwork shows amazing technical virtuosity and gives us a uniquely accomplished and detailed image of a way of life. This continuation of Dave's popular Upper Missouri River Series spanning over 15 years, proves to be significant and will be an on going effort to preserve the history of the Plains People.

Masterwork Bronze with Patina and Paint
Edition of 60, Year Cast 2004