ã2001 by Ross Matteson   bronze   18 x 34 x 10 inches   edition size 20   Price: $6,000

Eagle Head Staff is a tribute to American Indian veterans of war.   To put it mildly, I believe that the patriotism expressed by those who have historically been least served by the United States government, should be honored.   Wars between Europeans and the Original Peoples of the Americas were not the first on this continent, but hopefully, a truthful account of the history of our country will magnify the patriotism I refer to someday.   As a European American, I express my heartfelt appreciation in this dancing staff.   I have incorporated symbols of importance both to me and to Native Americans who I have listened to on this subject.  Primary to the composition are the eagle, dove, warrior and warrior's daughter, five feathers, red-tailed hawk, salmon and elk tooth.   I would like to share my special thanks to Bob, Sherri and Emily Iyall and to Doug Hyde.   I am also grateful for the help of Dan Foster, Jack Quincy and others of the Northwest Indian Veterans Association, Portland/Vancouver Chapter.   (next sculpture)