The morning star! How appropriate that this symbol is the predominant theme of the Plains Indians quilters. For over a century, these artistic women have been creating colorful variations of the morning star in their quilts.

McGary’s most recent masterwork, Star Gazers, portrays a Sioux mother, Red Elk Woman, with her young daughter. Adorned in an elaborate Star Quilt and full ceremonial dress, she gracefully points to the stars with the beaded cradleboard at her side. Hanging from the cradleboard is a beaded amulet. This was used as a longevity charm by the Plains Indians. Girls’ pouches took the form of turtles; boys’ were made in the shape of snakes and lizards. The bead work on these Lakota amulets reflect the pride relatives took in making presents for newborns.

Descendants of Red Elk Woman, Gerald and Lenora Red Elk, of Fort Peck Reservation in Montana, adopted Dave McGary many years ago. Gerald Red Elk was the tribal historian for the Sioux. During the adoption ceremony Dave received three Star Quilts from Gerald’s family, one having the same design as seen in this sculpture. Throughout the years Dave spent much time at Fort Peck with his adoptive family. The inspiration for this piece came from the Red Elk family, as well as Dave’s awareness of the special relationship that exist between his own wife and young daughter.

Lakota Sioux women of the Northern Plains reservations began making patchwork quilts as utilitarian replacements for buffalo robes and other skin bed coverings. According to ethnohistorian Christian Feast, “Nowhere did patchwork quilting become of importance as on the Northern Plains, where quilts were used increasingly as substitutes for painted skins after large scale hunting had been abandoned.” The introduction of quilts into the western Sioux reservations was undoubtedly linked to the presence of missions on the early reservations.

For ages, the star was depicted in the Plains Indians’ hide paintings, porcupine-quilled moccasins, leggings and clothing. When the traders introduced beads, the star was sewn in using sinew, the ganglion from the backbone of a deer, buffalo or elk, which made a strong, sturdy thread. Their first needles were fashioned from small, pointed animal bones. The use of the morning star in quilts continued this time honored art form.

The history of our Plains Indians tribes shows a reverence of the stars and heavenly bodies. The Milky Way is the “Pathway of Departed Souls”. Many Native Americans believe the spirit of the deceased uses this pathway to the Southern Star, the abiding place of the dead. It is believed the Great Spirit gave power to the stars to watch over mortals and impart spiritual blessings. The Star Quilt is used today as a token of this belief. Southwest Indians referred to the Morning Star as “God’s Eye”, and felt it would lead one to a better understanding.

Quilts derived great significance in the cultural practices of the people. The quilts quickly replaced buffalo robes in wrapping the departed, and are still given today in sympathy to the family of the deceased. Quilts are given at birth to honor friends and loved ones. For the newly married couple, the gift of a star quilt is essential, bestowing upon them recognition and respect. They are also found in churches as altar cloths, or in schools for graduation ceremonies. A quilt might be placed atop a sweat lodge or used to wrap a young man awaiting a Vision.

You can not look at a star quilt without pondering over the design and colors the artist chose. Quilts made by Indian women are usually done in solid colors, while those made by non-Indian women often are done with patterned pieces. Many Indian quilters like vibrant colors - reds, blues, yellows and greens. Most will not use black in their quilts. However, the material, color and design are secondary to the way the quilt is put together and finished.

In recent times, the Star Quilt’s popularity has spread and is now found among many different Indian tribes all across America. To Indian people, the Morning Star quilt represents the epitome of gift-giving. To give a quilt is to show the utmost respect and honor to a person, and is given by both men and women.

Art is one of the few areas where Indian lives are not controlled by others. Unable to pursue their former ways, quilting has allowed women freedom of expression. Many of the Sioux women, who have no formal artistic training, instinctively blend colors, making each quilt a unique, breathtaking journey. Many of these women learned the art of quilting from their mothers and grandmothers and take great pride in producing heirloom quality quilts.

Masterwork Bronze with Patina and Paint
Edition of 40, Year Cast 2003