Description
Stewart Steinhauer
Canadian, b. 1952
Buffalo Mountain, 2015
Granite
Gift of Lynn and Foster Friess with Additional Assistance from the National Museum of Wildlife Art Acquisitions Fund
Please enjoy this climbable sculpture!
CURATOR VOICE
Artist, Stewart Steinhauer, grew up on the Saddle Lake Cree Indian Reserve in Alberta. The title of this piece “Buffalo Mountain” refers to an ancient Cree story explaining the disappearance of the great herds of buffalo. When the last of the herds were seeking shelter from man’s slaughter, a spiritual being, known as “Rock Grandfather,” opened a special passageway through the mountains, leading to an alternate dimension. There, suspended in the past, the buffalo wait for a time of safe return. As children today joyfully climb through the tunnel in this granite bison, we are reminded of transformation. In them, there is hope for a future in which people and wildlife can peacefully co-exist.
- Jane Lavino, Sugden Family Curator of Education and Exhibits