“End of the Trail” Slate Stone Carving [SOLD]

Son of famous Chiricahua artist Allan Houser, Bob Haozous is a Chiricahua Apache sculptor, known for his commentary on the American experience. His grandfather was an interpreter and runner for Geronimo and was imprisoned with him at Fort Sill. Haozous is known for working in a range of media, from drawing, painting, and printmaking to jewelry, but his primary focus is on sculpture, especially monumental public works.  The north tower of Century Link Field in Seattle contains a massive installation of four disks representing the human experience and its current relationship to the environment. Other works are found around the country.

James Earle Fraser’s sculpture “End of the Trail” is one of the most instantly recognizable Indian-related artworks.  It was first modeled in 1894 and was followed by more than a century of reproductions, homages and parodies. Whether the intention of the image was to express defeat and despair or resilience and strength, it became a clichéd representation of the American Indian experience.

In this remarkable, small slate stone sculpture, Haozous has rendered a representation of only the head of the horse depicted in Frazer’s “End of the Trail.” This carefully carved stone sculpture brings focus to the unnoticed participant in Frazer’s work. Haozous carved the grey slate to bring the spirit of the animal alive. The artist’s signature and date are carved into the pedestal.  It is dated “77”.  The title “End of the Trail” is engraved on the side.

Condition:  the "End of the Trail" Slate Stone Carving is in excellent original condition.

Provenance: From a Santa Fe collector

Recommended Reading:

- Bob Haozous, Indigenous Dialogue by Bob Haozous

- HOUSER and HAOZOUS-a Sculptural Retrospective by Robert Breunig

Relative Links:  Allan Houser, Bob Haozous, Chiricahua Apache, drawing, painting, printmaking, jewelry, sculpture