Native American Bloodline

~Chihuahua~
{Apache}

Chief Chihuahua (Kla-esh) was a formidable leader of the Chokonen band of Chiricahua Apache. Known for his tactical brilliance and unwavering devotion to his people, he fought fiercely alongside Geronimo to protect their ancestral lands during the Apache Wars.

Well said so very true🦉❤️Don't forget we have a small online store specializing in selling Native American products if you like you can visit the store and support us

~Shoshone Winter~
{John Fawcett}

~Before The Sundance~
{John Fawcett}

Face Paint traditions, feathers & German Silver discs among Southern Plains Women

Historic Plains Native women regularly wore face paint. While men’s paint patterns frequently related to warfare, mens society memberships and ceremonies, or vision quests, women applied facial paint for ceremonial occasions, social dances, honor events, and everyday protection against wind sun and insects (the latter could also apply to men.

Pattern Placement:

Red earth pigment (such as ochre or vermilion) was commonly applied along the hair part, around the eyes, or across the cheeks.

The red dotted line across the nose and cheeks shown in Fawcett’s painting resembles symbolic or decorative markings used during social gatherings or honor dances.

Colors & Materials:

Mineral pigments mixed with rendered animal fat provided both color and skin protection. Yellow and red were widely used across Southern and Northern Plains tribes.

Feather Regalia and Identification:

Eagle Feather Restrictions

Sacred eagle tail feathers—particularly the immature white-and-blackish to dark brown tipped tail feathers of the Golden Eagle—were historically awarded for specific war deeds or acts of bravery, honors earned primarily by men.

Plains women did not traditionally wear eagle tail feathers in their hair. That was left in honor of their men. However, women could be gifted or permitted to wear eagle feathers under specific ceremonial circumstances, such as Sun Dance rites (such as in the title of this painting), or through certain society lineages.

Feather Identification in the Image:

The feathers attached to her hair drop appear to be possibly a small, immature golden eagle feather, accompanied by white fluffy, eagle down (plumes) at the base.

Historical Accuracy:

Sometimes one sees in a painting, a usually upright eagle feather worn by a woman, which leans toward a romanticized Western art convention.

Historically, Plains women who decorated their hair or wore hair drops were far more likely to use:

• Fluffy eagle down (plumes): Representing breath, prayer, and protection.

• Hawk, owl, or falcon feathers

• Grosbeak, prairie chicken, or turkey feathers

Tribal Attribution & Material Details

While contemporary Western painters often blend cultural elements from multiple Plains tribes, the subject in this painting displays regalia of several distinct Southern Plains characteristics, such as Kiowa, Comanche or Southern Cheyenne:

•Concho Strap:
The German silver conchos on a buckskin strap is a belt, this style was very popular among Southern Plains women.

•Buckskin Dress & Fringe: The light buckskin dress with long, twisted fringe along the sleeves and shoulders, and yellow paint, aligns closely with Southern Plains buckskin tailoring.

• Beaded Neckline & Choker:
The multi-strand hairpipe choker with brass or glass beads reflects 19th-century Plains trade goods.

• Feather Fan:
The fan she holds features dark, barred raptor or turkey feathers bound with a beaded handle and white down base. Feather fans are an element used extensively in Southern Plains Native American Church (Pe**te) and social ceremonies.

The overall presentation strongly points to a Kiowa or other Southern Plains inspiration, though synthesized with typical artistic license found in modern Western easel painting.

©Zebukiah McCrae 2026, all rights reserved.

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Russell Means stood at a turning point in modern Indigenous history—a voice that refused to be pushed aside. As a leading figure in the American Indian Movement, he brought national attention to issues many had long ignored, from treaty violations to the lived realities of Native communities. 🪶
His role in the Wounded Knee Occupation marked a defining moment. For 71 days, that stand became a global signal that Native nations would speak for themselves, defend their rights, and demand accountability. It was more than resistance—it was a reawakening of sovereignty and identity. 🔥
Beyond activism, his presence extended into film and storytelling, yet his purpose remained the same: visibility, truth, and representation. He did not soften his message, and he did not step back from hard conversations.
His legacy lives on in every voice that continues to rise, every community that continues to stand, and every effort to protect culture, land, and future generations. The story didn’t end—it continues. 💬✨

What If Buffalo Never Returned to Native Lands? For numerous tribes, including the Lakota Nation, the buffalo represents survival, balance, and tradition, embodying more than just an animal. Historically, buffalo supported entire Native communities across the Great Plains, providing sustenance, attire, tools, and playing a pivotal role in various cultural traditions. Presently, numerous tribal programs strive to revive buffalo herds on Native lands, as proponents argue that their return facilitates the restoration of cultural connections, supports natural ecosystems, and educates younger generations about tradition. Should buffalo herds be restored across Native land? Comment YES or NO