IN THE LAND OF THE TUKUDEKA
PART ONE

Masterwork, Limited Ed. 30, 54″H x 42″W x 37″D
Maquette, Limited Ed. 45, 27″H x 21″W

In this compelling two-part bronze series, Vic Payne beautifully captures the spirit of the Tukudeka, also known as the Sheep Eaters, bringing to life their rich history and deep connection to the rugged landscapes of Yellowstone and the northern Rocky Mountains.

The first bronze, titled “In the Land of the Tukudeka,” vividly portrays the resilience of the bighorn sheep as they flee from the relentless pursuit of a mountain lion. Vic’s latest wildlife sculpture embodies the wild spirit of the land that sustained both wildlife and the Tukudeka people for generations.

In the companion piece, “Tukudeka – Sheep Eaters of Yellowstone,” Vic honors the human aspect of this ancient culture through the depiction of a Shoshone brave, bow in hand, with his loyal wolf companion by his side. This sculpture sheds light on the Tukudeka ‘s unique way of life and highlights the deep bond and mutual respect that were essential for survival in the harsh mountain environment.

Together, these works represent the intricate relationship between the Tukudeka and the majestic bighorn sheep, as both predator and hunter navigate the same perilous terrain. Through these evocative sculptures, Vic not only displays the artistry inspired by a largely forgotten culture but also raises awareness of the remarkable resilience and enduring legacy of the Tukudeka as the true guardians of the mountains.

The Tukudeka, also known as the Sheep Eaters, were originally part of the Eastern Shoshone, later joining the Northern Shoshone. Also known as the Mountain Shoshone, their name derived from their practice of hunting and consuming Rocky Mountain sheep, using the hides and other parts for clothing, tools, and utensils. They were renowned for their small but powerful horn bows, crafted from rendered and straightened bighorn ram horns. These bows were highly sought after by other Native American tribes, reputedly capable of shooting an obsidian-tipped arrow straight through a buffalo.

The Tukudeka lived in the Yellowstone and northern Rocky Mountains, an area spanning Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, favored by the bighorn sheep they hunted. Much of their way of life remains shrouded in mystery and misconception. It is debated whether they inhabited the Yellowstone area for 10,000 years or arrived less than 1,000 years ago. In the 1870s, Yellowstone superintendent Philleus Norris initiated the removal of all Indians from the park, relocating them to reservations at Wind River and Fort Hall. Some small groups evaded this removal, continuing to live in the remote mountains of Yellowstone as their ancestors had until 1890.

Artifacts and petroglyphs left behind by the Tukudeka provide valuable insights into their lives. They were talented artisans and deeply spiritual people. Living at high altitudes, often above 7,500 feet, the extended Shoshone nation regarded them as great medicine men. Their remarkable ability to endure in the harsh mountain environment, combined with their deep understanding of the land, earned them a reputation as skilled and resilient people. The land, bighorn sheep, and surrounding plant resources shaped their way of life. They were semi-nomadic, moving seasonally in small, kin-based bands, following the migratory patterns of bighorn sheep through the Absaroka, Wind River, and Beartooth ranges. Unlike other tribes, they did not use horses extensively, preferring to travel on foot and utilizing large dogs to help carry their possessions during migrations and for hunting purposes.

Today, remnants of their resourcefulness can still be found high in the mountains. Wikki-ups, cone-shaped dwellings made from fallen timber, caves carved into the crevices of mountains, inventive sheep traps made of wood and stone, and stone pits used by hunters all reflect why these people were called the Guardians of the Mountains.