Autumn Breeze

My Native model in this painting portrays a young Blackfeet girl enjoying a warm autumn day. She is wearing an old Museum quality Blackfeet beaded buckskin dress and holding a lovely feather fan, both from a private collection. The First People used the feathers to send prayers to the heavens and draw healing power from the sky. Native American fans are part of the Indian heritage steeped in tradition and fundamental belief. A Prayer Fan is commonly given as gift to heal the heart. Different fans are used in rituals, pow wows, smudging and dance.