Black and silver Native American Church crucifix with sterling silver chain / Unknown

Essay/Description

Chromium finish cross inlaid with black plastic to which has been affixed a gold tone washed crucifix above which is attached gold toned washed banner with the word "INRI". Bale at top of crucifix has base metal ring for a chain. Silver tone base metal herringbone chain with two spring clasps similar to a watch chain. Chain is divided into four 11 3/4 inch sections joined by rings. Possibly was originally a watch chain.

Curatorial Remarks

Commercial made silver crucifix with sterling silver chain. Used by Harding Big Bow.

Tags: enameled sterling silver, cross, crucifix, sterling silver chain, Christ, Jesus
People: Kiowa, Southern Plains tribes
Places: Oklahoma
Purpose: peyote meeting

From interviews with Dr. Garrick Bailey, 2018-2020 University of Tulsa, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology

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Anthropology Item Information

©Gilcrease Museum

Title(s):

Black and silver Native American Church crucifix with sterling silver chain

Creator(s):

Unknown

Harding Big Bow (Used by)

Culture:

Native American; Osage

Date:

20th century

Period:

Historic

Place:

Mountain View, Oklahoma

Materials/Techniques:

wood, metal

Classification:

Ethnographic Objects

Object Type:

Necklace

Credit Line:

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John R. Whitesell and Sons

Accession No:

69.145a-b

Previous Number(s):

TL1997.45.24a-b; TL1997.45.24.a-b; tl1997.45.24.a-b

Department:

Anthropology

Not On View

Dimensions

Overall (a - crucifix):

Length: 6in. (15.2cm)
Width: 3 1/2in. (8.9cm)

Overall (b - chain):

Length: 48in. (121.9cm)

About the Creator(s)

From Gilcrease Museum:

Creator:

Harding Big Bow

Biography:

Mr. Big Bow was a roadman and organizational leader in the Native American Church, having served as the President of the Native American Church of Oklahoma. He was also an easel painter in the Kiowa style. He was the co-organizer of the exhibition project that became "Symbols of Faith and Belief: The Art of the Native American Church" alongside Gilcrease Senior Curator at the time Daniel Swan. After his death, his wife Pearl Big Bow gave his NAC equipment and other objects to Gilcrease Museum. Mr. Big Bow's life work, and art are described in various publications, especially Dan Swan's (1999) "Peyote religious Art", Jackson: University of Mississippi; (1990) Southern Plains Indian Museum and Crafts Center: Symbolic Paintings by Harding Big Bow, Anadarko.

Role(s):

Used by

From Getty's Union List of Artist Names:

Names (all):

Big Bow, Harding

Birth Date:

1921

Death Date:

1997

Nationalities:

Native American

Roles:

Kiowa painter and flute maker, 1921-1997

Gender:

male

Cite this Page

Unknown. Black and silver Native American Church crucifix with sterling silver chain. 69.145a-b. 20th century. Tulsa: Gilcrease Museum, https://collections.gilcrease.org/object/69145a-b (07/24/2019).

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