Native American Women Series: Symphonies of the Heart

The courting flute and its music were an integral part of the plains, and southwestern Native American cultures. The flute served many important functions connected with courtship, love, and entertainment. Red cedar was often the choice wood to use when creating the flutes. The flute is the traditional painted bird flute with the pointed beak of a woodpecker. He hopes that the haunting sounds of the love flute will win her heart and entice her to stay by his side.

The Lakota flute had seven notes: four represent the directions (north, south, east, and west), one represents the heavens, another the Earth, and the seventh note represents the place where they all come together in each of us: the heart. The Lakota considered the flute to be the essence of the wind, especially Niya Awicableze (the Enlightening Breath) that brings spring back to Maka Wita (Earth Island).

Symphonies of the Heart features a Lakota couple in the shadow of a cottonwood tree. He has a traditional courting robe made from trade blankets. The courting robe was used by a young couple as a sign, to the rest of the community, of their marriage intentions. When a couple was together within the robe it was understood that they wanted to be left alone.

Symphonies of the Heart is a very loving and touching piece that follows the theme of Dave McGary established in his work; Hearts of Conviction. These glimpses into the domestic life of the Lakota give us some insight into their personal relationships and customs and show warmth, affection, and humanity to which we can all relate.

Sizes available:

Masterwork: 41 x 35.5 x 21.75
Maquette: 27.5 x 26 x 18
Bust: 22 x 12 x 21

Please contact Meyer-Milagros Gallery for pricing information.