In this fourth bronze of Dave McGary’s series honoring the “Strongheart Society”, the valiant Teton Sioux warrior depicted in Point Of No Return is again featured. Battle- weary and drained of emotion, the exhausted brave still stands poised and ready to defend his tribe even though combat is now over. The expression on his painted face, smeared from the struggle, only hints at relief. Instead, the warrior steals his gaze from fatigue and refuses to let his guard down even in the aftermath of his tribe’s victory.
Hardened by the ferocity of the war, the warrior grips the tether that ties him to a “waving banner” as if to pull it free- but he hesitates. A member of the elite Strongheart Society, he was chosen for his unquestioned bravery and loyalty. Organized by three prominent Sioux chiefs- Sitting Bull, Gall and Crow King- the Strongheart Society included only those men who had proven to be exemplary both in battle and at home. The legendary chiefs wanted a group of fearless warriors who could be called on to protect and defend the tribe at any given time. Strongheart members also must pledge to care for the poor and needy and to maintain good moral character.
In Point Of No Return, the courageous Strongheart warrior had been selected to take a position on the battlefield by staking one end of his sash to the ground. He would stand and fight till victory or death. This marked him as a valuable member of the tribe and an important target for the enemy. The warrior painted his face in the Strongheart’s signature black-and-white war paint to further intimidate his foe. Once positioned, he drew his bow, anticipating the onset of battle.
In Victory I Stand depicts the depleted warrior at the end
of the
battle. His right hand is on the ten-foot-long woven sash that ties his waist
to the waving banner. Adorned with over 50 eagle feathers, the imposing banner
marks him as an exceptional Strongheart who has demonstrated his bravery many
times. Though visibly tired, the resolute veteran holds his war shield and
bow in his left hand in a state of readiness. An enemy’s lance has sliced
the beadwork on the warrior’s sleeve after glancing off the shield as
he raised it in defense. In his quiver, only three arrows remain.
Further testimony to the warrior’s courage, past and present, are two streamers of red trade cloth flowing from his shield with eagle feathers earned for defending his tribe. Tied to his scalp lock are five eagle honor feathers.
Membership in the Strongheart Society was an important commitment not only for the chosen warrior, but also his family. In the event of his death, the most prominent woman relative of the warrior would be allowed to carry his waving banner at ceremonies and parades to memorialize his exceptional bravery. But only a fellow society member was permitted to uproot the planted staff if the warrior was killed.
