KEEPER OF THE HOMELAND (Maquette)

Bronze, 14.5″H x 18″L x 7″D, Limited Ed. of 50 – Created 2013

In Vic’s continuous research of the West, he was inspired to create this bronze as a sequel to “The Charge,” depicting the American Indian’s viewpoint of our nation’s history. Vic created the larger Masterwork size back in 2007, which is nearly sold out. We had so many clients who asked him for a smaller size, so he turned his attention to creating a Maquette size in late 2013. He also created a commissioned monument of this beautiful bronze. As you may well know, many of Vic’s bronzes have stories behind them.

In his research of creating “The Charge,” he wanted to be able to tell the reverse side of the story from the Native American perspective with ‘Keeper of the Homeland.’ As early as 1829, President Andrew Jackson urged the Indians to move west of the Mississippi. There was much conflict between the settlers of the American West and the Native Americans; one wanted land, and the other wanted to keep their land. By 1875, there was no more West, which signified the end of the Native American horse era and the way of life of the American Indian.

A highly distinguished piece, ‘Keeper of the Homeland’ features an Indian war hero in full charge determined to protect his homeland through this time of conflict. The Native Americans were great horsemen, and Vic’s desire was to capture the action of the moment with this sculpture. He paid close attention to fine detail from the buffalo skull and eagle feather headdress to the brass nails on the stock of the 62 Caliber single action black powder musket. The look of fierce determination on the brave’s face reflects the resolve and, more than likely, a bit of sadness in knowing that the way of his people was passing.

He was the original ‘Keeper of the Homeland.’