Dave McGary

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Star Gazers
Masterwork 35 "h Maquette 22 11/16"h
Bronze with Patina and Paint


Dave McGary’s 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 which contained the baby’s umbilical cord. 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 reflects the pride relatives took in making presents for newborns. The mother’s ceremonial breastplate made of bone beads, the pipe bag next to her side and the beading in the leggings and the yolk, display the importance of the mother in her tribe.