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Gateway to the West: Property from the Collection of a Missouri Company
|
- Sale 6305
Live
| Denver
Nov 12 | 10:00 AM MST
Live
| Denver
Sale 6305
| Denver
| Denver
Estimate$7,000 – $9,000
In 1990, the relationship between Native American peoples and the American government was shaped by an ongoing fight for sovereignty, rights, and recognition. This period saw a heightened awareness and activism surrounding Indigenous issues, a culmination of the movements that had gained momentum in the preceding decades. The passing of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), which aimed to protect Native American graves and cultural material and facilitate the return of such items to their tribes, was a significant milestone in 1990.
Chief Goes to Washington is Joe Beeler’s poignant and award-winning representation of the complex relationship between Native American leaders and the United States government. The sculpture captures a Native American chief in his traditional clothing, seated atop a podium, invoking the image the Lincoln memorial. He is an embodiment of dignity and resilience at a time when the voices of Native peoples often went unheard. Conceived the same year as the enactment of NAGPRA, this sculpture reflects Beeler's deep respect for Indigenous cultures and contextualizes the historical struggles faced by Native leaders as they navigated the politics of Washington D.C, often fraught with misunderstanding and conflict.
Overall good, stable condition; no detected losses or breaks; surface dust throughout, concentrated in recessed areas; some metal "fringe" is bent or misshapen; inherent variances visible throughout patina. Height including base: 20 1/2 inches. Please request additional images.
Please contact the Western Art department at westernart@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or free from wear, imperfections or evidence of aging. All lots are sold “AS IS”. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to the client, is an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Hindman Auctions shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
Please email westernart@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.
To request further details about this lot, please email westernart@hindmanauctions.com
Alexandria Dreas
Specialist, Head of Sale, Western and Contemporary Native American Art
