Bently Spang, Modern Warrior Series: War Shirt #4 - National Sacrifice
Bently Spang is a Northern Cheyenne sculptor and installation and performance artist. In his artwork, Modern Warrior Series: War Shirt #4 - National Sacrifice, Spang uses the form and structure of a war shirt. Historically, warriors decorated their shirts with human hair fringe collected from tribal members to remind them of the power they derive from their community. Sprang reminds viewers of the power in his community by using materials available to him. Here, he has stitched photographs of flowers and rocks, which he further embellishes with bits of plastic packaging, beads, ornaments, and straw fringe.
I made this shirt to honor the ‘National Sacrifice’ my relatives in the past made to secure my people, the Cheyenne or Tsistsistas and Suhtaio as we call ourselves, our beautiful homeland. It also represents my commitment to protect this homeland, the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana and our ranch there next to the Tongue River, wherein the flowers and rocks depicted on this shirt reside.
—Bently Spang
Guiding Questions:
- Transmitting cultural knowledge is a critical cornerstone in many cultures including indigenous communities. Think about how your family or community passes on knowledge. Share some of the traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.
- How does your community support and build you up? Find a photograph that represents how your community supports you.
- How would you honor your ancestors in an artwork? What form would it take and why?
Related Creative Activities
Suit Up!
Using the samurai's suit of armor as an example, think about whether there is an order or a ritual to when you get dressed. Which items are important? Are there certain things you wear that have a purpose?
Connect the Dots
Made in China, by artist Sui Jianguo focuses on China's exportation of goods. Jianguo’s intention is to get viewers to consider who is making a product, where it is going, and why. Keeping that intention in mind, consider how consumerism (something that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts) might affect you personally.
Blanket Story
Marie Watt is a multidisciplinary artist who engages communities in the creation of her work. As a citizen of the Seneca Nation, Watt models her approach on Indigenous ways of sharing knowledge and learning. For this piece, she asked individuals from the local Denver community to contribute a blanket along with its story.
Each/Other Embroidery Activity
Jordan Casteel: Honoring Community Members
