Warrior Series: Iron Hail

Iron Hail is the continuation of Dave McGary's acclaimed Warrior Series of Bronze sculptures. He was an important Teton Sioux warrior of the mid 1800's, and gained fame during the Sioux wars fighting for control of their traditional homelands. His friend Daniel Longsoldier told the story of Iron Hail to Dave McGary.

"Iron Hail" fought alongside such notables as Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Gall, and Red Leak during the Indian Wars. The storyteller recounts how as a young warrior, out hunting alone, he was attacked by an enemy war party of Crow warriors. He found shelter in a rocky area and defended himself with great bravery against overwhelming odds. The young warrior's prayers were answered by the Great Spirit Wakan Tanks, when the enemy was driven away by a sudden outburst of a violent lightning storm with large hailstones as hard as iron. The story of his conflict brought great honor to the young warrior from the people and gave him the name, "Iron Hail." Afterwards, he was thought to have the power to make it rain and hail on his enemies.

"Iron Hail" is depicted during a storm, standing with his foot resting on a lightning shattered old tree. The wind gives the setting a great deal of motion as it stirs his hair and clothing. His headdress is a full war bonnet with a double trailer of over one hundred honor eagle feathers. A magnificent war shield painted with his personal vision and decorated with numerous eagle feathers is carried on his shoulder. He is wearing a buffalo rove with elaborate pictorial paintings of his accomplishments during the Indian wars.

One of the striking features of the work is the unique wooden war club he carries. It has been carved into a primitive human face that holds an iron French trade blade in its mouth. The face on the weapon is painted to match Iron Hails' own face. His face paint features two lightning bolts and hailstones. This is a person to be revered by both friend and foe. Iron Hails' legacy continues to live in the hearts of the Sioux and through the sculpture of Dave McGary.

Sizes available:

Masterwork: 43 x 26 x 46
Maquette: 29 x 18.5 x 26.5
Bust: 23 x 10 x 14.5

Please contact Meyer-Milagros Gallery for pricing information.