As the large herds of bison raced across the vast prairies of the Southwest, their
presence was known by the sound and vibration of their hooves pounding the earth. At
one time, the massive stampedes across the prairie sounded like the roll of thunder in the
distance. These massive animals provided both subsistence and spirituality to the Natıvs
American Plains Indians. The male bison, the largest land animal in North America, can
stand six feet from the hoof to the shoulder and weigh between one thousand and two
thousand pounds. Because the Plains Indians were nomadic, these animals were
especially important to them. The Plains Indians followed the great herds of bison as they
traveled from place to place, taking what they needed to survive from the bison. Literally
every part of the bison was used; there was no waste. The bison had a tremendous
influence on their lives by providing not only their food, but also their clothing,
cradleboards, toys, tools, shields, moccasins, and shelter. Everything that the Indians
owned was carried by them, their dog,s or their horses. Their shelters, tipis, and other
goods were transported by a travois pulled behind their horses. The Indians' dependence
on the bison for their livelihood made the bison the most important force in nature, and
they were worshipped because of their physical and spiritual strength. The Indians
believed that the bison had been placed on this earth for their benefit, and they honored
the bison in their religious ceremonies, rituals, and dances.
 
I have always been fascinated with these beautiful, magnificent animals and felt a
sadness at the drastic reduction in the once mighty herds of bison that roamed freely
throughout the Great Plains. This is my story in the form of a vessel titled "Thundering
Hooves". On my vessel, I have depicted the running of the thundering bison herds. The
clouds are building and the lightning flashing, setting off the stampede of the bison. The
plant life on the bottom of the design denotes the sagebrush of the Great Plains, and the
designs are based on designs from pottery shards as well as blanket designs. On the
opposite side of my vessel there is the fetish symbol of the bison with the Acoma
waterbird on it. The waterbird shows that although the bison gave them so much for their
daily needs, they still needed water for their survival. The bison furnished them
with leather or rawhide containers for transporting their water and food. The skull of the
bison on the top of the vessel represents the demise of the great animal. The American
Bison is and has always been a symbol of the great American West.