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Shield Of Her Husband - Sioux Native American Woman By Howard Terpning

Shield of Her Husband by Howard Terpning

6th and Final Release of the Howard Terpning 90th Birthday Series

One of Howard Terpning's most popular painting's is the next work featured in the 90th Birthday Series. Shield of Her Husband. In 2013, the last time the original work was seen in the market, it was sold at auction for over $900,000. It had been estimated to sell for $200,000 - $300,000.

This canvas, the sixth and final in the series, possesses the unique aura of honor, strength and spirit that Howard infuses into his paintings of Native American women.

This painting shows a Sioux Indian woman proudly carrying the shield of her husband. As Terpning often does, he declines to provide much information on the character herself, empowering the viewer to create a story and relationship to the painting entirely of their own.

She is wearing a hide dress of the 1840 to 1850's period. The yoke is covered with pony beads and the sleeves are left natural, with no attempt at tailoring. Sioux women were allowed to carry their husbands shields whereas the Cheyenne women were not.

The Companion Remarque paper print, Knife and Awl Case, highlights the the knife and awl case hanging from the Sioux woman's belt. Both items where indispensable tools in high plains Indian life during the time. Like many items found in Terpning's works, these are part of his beloved personal collection.

mong the Sioux people, the wife was allowed to carry the war shield of her husband. This was considered an honor and it enabled the wife to let everyone know that her husband was a true warrior. The shield was never allowed to touch the ground. Before the arrival of the horse, shields were quite large. The could be as much as three feet in diameter. When horses became available, the shield was reduced in size to about 18 or 20 inches because they were easier to carry on horseback. Shields were generally made from the hide on the hump of a buffalo because it was the thickest part. The finished shield could be a half an inch or more in thickness. They could deflect an arrow and in many cases even a lead musket ball. When more powerful rifles were developed, the shield lost its effectiveness. The symbols painted on the shield were the result of a vision that was experienced by the owner. Buckskin hide covers were also made for the shield. Sometimes more than one and each one was decorated in a different way. Feathers from birds of prey were very important attachments. These shield covers were discarded when going into battle. The shield from a spiritual standpoint was the warriors most important possession.

Shield of Her Husband by Howard Terpning published November 2018 is available for sale as a signed and numbered limited edition giclee canvas with a 34 x 26 vertical image size priced for sale at $1,150 unframed.

We are a full service custom frame shop and can build a design to meet any style or budget. Order yours today. All artwork is professionally boxed and insured and guaranteed to arrive in mint condition. All artwork has been hand signed by the artist.

If your interested in framing please send us an email to discuss the options. If you type the name FRAME on the search box above you can browse through some examples of our materials and designs. A painting by American Indian Artist Howard Terpning painted a beautiful Native Sioux American Indian woman dressed in blue and leather holding a war shield in high quality first people fine art prints for sale.

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