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The courting flute and its music were an integral part of the
plains, and southwestern Native American cultures. The flute served many important
functions connected with courtship, love, and entertainment. Red cedar was
often the choice of wood to use when creating the flutes. The flute is the
traditional painted bird flute with the pointed beak of a woodpecker. He hopes
that the haunting sounds of the love flute will win her heart and entice her
to stay by his side.
The Lakota flute had seven notes: four represent the directions
(north, south, east, and west), one represents the heavens, another the Earth,
and the seventh note represents the place where they all come together in
each of us: the heart. The Lakota considered the flute to be the essence of
the wind, especially Niya Awicableze (the Enlightening Breath) that brings
spring back to Maka Wita (Earth Island).
Symphonies of the Heart features a Lakota couple in the shadow of a
cottonwood tree. He has a traditional courting robe made from
trade blankets. The courting robe was used by a young couple as a sign, to
the rest of the community, of their marriage intentions. When a couple was
together within the robe it was understood that they wanted to be left alone.
Symphonies of the Heart is a very loving and touching piece that follows the
theme Dave McGary established in his work; Hearts of Conviction. These glimpses
into the domestic life of the Lakota give us
some insight into their personal relationships and customs
and show warmth, affection and humanity to which we can all relate.
Masterwork Bronze with Patina and Paint
Edition of 30, Year Cast 1999 s
