Susan Kliewer (American, b. 1940). "Southern Plains Dancer" bronze, n.d. Edition 25 of 45. Signed and numbered on integral bronze base. A magnificent limited edition cast bronze sculpture of a man performing the Southern Straight Dance by Susan Kliewer, one of the Southwest's most acclaimed sculptors. "Southern Plains Dancer" features a native man dressed in traditional garments and regalia, including eagle feathers in a porcupine headdress called "enemy feathers" that symbolizes courageous acts against the enemy. Kliewer has captured the dancer in dramatic motion, with his torso bent, chest thrust forward, and left foot kicking out. The finely modeled and colorful patinated details such as the feathered headdress, the metal bells tied around his knees, beaded moccasins and arm coverings - are truly remarkable! The sense of motion displayed throughout the dancer's body as well as his billowing regalia is equally impressive. What's more, the statue is mounted on a tiered wooden pedestal that rotates so that one may admire it from all angles. Size: 16" L x 13.75" W x 29.125" H (40.6 cm x 34.9 cm x 74 cm)

This sculpture was acquired from Mountain Trails Gallery in Sedona and was accompanied by the following contextual description, "Southern Straight dance is a traditional style of regalia and dancing originating in the Southern Plains. The eagle feathers in a porcupine headdress were called 'enemy feathers' for brave deeds against an enemy. Dancers thrust out their chest, bend low, and move their head and body with deliberate actions. They reenact warriors searching for an enemy or hunters stalking prey. Like all forms of 'war dancing' its roots can be found in warrior societies."

A native of Southern California, Susan Kliewer has lived in Arizona for 40 years, with 5 of those years at the Marble Canyon Trading Post adjacent to the Navajo Reservation in Northern Arizona. Kliewer started painting when she was 10 years old and took up sculpture in 1987 after working at a foundry for ten years. In 1993, Kliewer won a competition to create a monument of Sedona Schnebly. In addition, she created a life-size fountain that portrays the Sinagua people as well as a fountain of a Hopi Water Maiden in Sedona. In her words, "My work aims to show the common thread that underlies all human experience, and which, I hope, brings us to a greater understanding between peoples."

Provenance: Private Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA collection; ex-Hugh K. Terrell estate, representative Priscilla T. Bisher; purchased at Mountain Trails Galleries, Sedona, Arizona, USA

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#175254

Signed and numbered on integral bronze base. Bronze statue, integral bronze base, and tiered wooden rotating base (fit with a custom brass plaque identifying the artist and the title of the piece) are superb overall!