CLAIMING HIS HERITAGE
(U.S.A.)

Oil on Canvas - 40" x 32"

 

This young man’s name is Justin. What I currently know is that he has been participating in the powwows since he was about four years old. What initially caught my eye was his blond hair and blue eyes -- quite a contrast to what one might expect in the appearance of a Native American. His headdress is what is known as a roach and is made of dyed animal hair. The two feathrs are usually rpresentative of an animal. Being of Native American heritage myself (my grandmother was Cherokee), and having lost touch with my own Native American history following my father’s death in the Korean War, seeing this connection stirred many emotions. I continue to seek information regarding my roots and respect Justin’s ability to claim his.