1072

Oscar Howe

1915-1983, Yanktonai Dakota

"Camte waste, no no wa" ("Good Heart Forever")

Gouache on paper
Signed lower right: Oscar Howe, with the artist's fingerprint imprinted in paint in the lower right sheet margin; titled on a label affixed to the frame's backing board
Image: 18.5" H x 24.625" W; Sheet: 20.25" H x 26.5" W

  • Provenance:
    John C. Weaver, acquired from the artist circa January 1967
    A Private Rancho Palos Verdes Estate, by descent from the above

    Notes:
    Oscar Howe (1915-1983) was a renowned Native American artist who is best known for his innovative and expressive depictions of traditional Dakota culture and mythology. Born on the Crow Creek Reservation in South Dakota, Howe grew up immersed in his heritage and was deeply influenced by the rich visual traditions of his people.

    Despite facing significant obstacles as a Native American artist in a predominantly white art world, Howe persevered and became one of the most respected and celebrated artists of his generation. Howe experimented with a wide range of artistic styles and techniques, eventually developing a highly individualized style that blended traditional Dakota imagery with contemporary abstract forms. He drew inspiration from the geometric designs and bright colors of Dakota beadwork and quillwork, as well as from the bold, sweeping lines of modernist painting.

    Throughout his career, Howe created a vast body of work that included paintings, drawings, prints, and murals, as well as sculptures and installations. His art was exhibited widely in galleries and museums across the United States and Europe, and he received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field. Despite facing discrimination and marginalization throughout his life, Oscar Howe remained committed to his artistic vision and his cultural heritage.

    In 2022, a major exhibition titled "Dakota Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe" opened at the National Museum of the American Indian, New York which reintroduced Howe's work to contemporary audiences. The exhibition subsequently traveled to the Portland Art Museum in Oregon and will be on view at the South Dakota Art Museum at South Dakota State University from June 10, 2023 to September 17, 2023.

    A label on the frame verso, typewritten by the artist, provides the following explanation of this painting's subject matter:

    "EAGLE DANCER" (Wambidi Waci)

    "The dancer in this dance, goes through all the movements of the Eagle in flight and on the ground - He uses the bird as a totem or symbol for his belief in the bird that brought him some unusual information as to medicine (use of herbs) or spiuritualism in his vision - This bird is considered sacred and used as totem to communicate with the Great Spirit (in prayer).

    "So the dancer is an Eagle Medicine Man.

    "In the painting, the movement is emphasized by use of plastic patterning of the arm movements -

    "The background reflects nature (outdoor) as interpreted by Indian language - where foreground (Indian) is usually in phase with his surroundings (background) in life and movement."
  • Condition: Condition: Overall very good condition. The colors vibrant. The sheet is adhered to an artist's mat board under 1" thick masking tape along all four edges, with the artist's fingerprint covered by approximately .25" of tape on the bottom and right side.

    Framed under glass: 26.5" H x 32.5" W x 1.75" D


    Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipping. As a courtesy to buyers, Moran provides a list of preferred shippers who are in the business of transporting antiques and works of art. Buyers are responsible for arranging their own shipping estimates and deliveries. Moran, in its sole discretion and as a courtesy to buyers, may arrange to have purchased lots packed, insured, and forwarded by a third-party shipper at the request, expense, and risk of the buyer. In circumstances where Moran arranges for such third-party services, Moran may apply an administration charge of 15% of that service fee. Moran assumes no responsibility for acts or omissions in such packing or shipping by other packers or carriers, even if recommended by Moran. Moran also assumes no responsibility for any damage to picture frames or to the glass therein.

June 6, 2023 12:00 PM PDT
Monrovia, CA, US

John Moran Auctioneers

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $25,000
$500,000 + $50,000