Introduction

As an element of the Aboriginal Memorial, the Spirit Warriors sculpture will occupy a prominent position on the northwest facing outer ring of the ceremonial circle. The sculpture is envisioned as a two-dimensional line drawing framed by the walls of the memorial and etched against the high prairie landscape and the big Montana sky. The sculpture is meant to convey the living spirit of three mounted warriors racing free across the plains. 

The construction of the monument itself, an earthwork, suggests that the sculpture be made of durable and permanent material. A bronze sculpture with a dark patina will be compatible with the aesthetic of the surrounding landscape, the solemn nature of the memorial specifically, and the historic quality of the battlefield as a whole. 

The sculpture will express the spirit of aboriginal people of the Plains and the First Nations that played a decisive role in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, rectifying the historical imbalance of not recognizing the aboriginal role and sacrificed lives.

The design, creation and installation of the Spirit Warriors sculpture involves Colleen Cutschall (sisterwolf), Eden, Manitoba, Canada; Collins Studio, Glenside, Pennsylvania, US; and the Eagle Bronze Foundry, Lander, Wyoming, US. 

The Drawing

Colleen Cutschall developed a series of drawings based on the overall approved design for the aboriginal memorial, which identified three plains warriors on horseback in a plains pictographic or ledger style. Initially, the figures faced to the left, then Colleen added a woman into the grouping. Her position changed several times as did horses, horse markings, riders, rider costumes, and weapons. All versions were tentative until the team met July 18th at the Little Bighorn Battlefield to discuss design and installation issues. 

At that time, significant changes were made to the content and context of the overall design. The horses and riders now began to face right to correspond to the location of the memorial and actual events at the historical battle. The addition of the woman and her position in relation to the male riders was agreed on. The team and the National Park Service also agreed on developing a documentary film of the process. Proposal adjustments were requested and approved.

Scenes 2 ~ Scenes 3  ~ Moulds and Bronze Casting

Back to the top

Diorama - entire site

Diorama - close-up