The tipi was raised at noon on Friday, August 15, 1997 in the Tipi Village at the Canada Summer Games site, Brandon, Manitoba. A pipe ceremony was conducted by elders Mary and Solomon Hall of Sioux Valley, Manitoba and a feast was provided by the students. At the conclusion of the Summer Games it was set up on the campus of Brandon University to welcome all to a new year.
The painted sun on the eastern door cover symbolically welcomes the sun into and out of the tipi during it's daily journey. The cover is made with the intention to invite not only the sun, but everyone into the tipi. The red hands radiating from the sun are the hands of those who painted this tipi. The painted hand imprint is a most ancient image recorded by humans. It is a clear message of human presence and all that humanity means. These hands are reaching out like the rays of the sun to greet all with warmth in the 'Welcome Lodge'.
Dimensions
158 X 122 cm
Size Overall
same as image
Medium
acrylic
Notes
Designed and painted by the students of the Experiments in Traditional Art Forms class of 1997.
Condition
Canvas is heavily creased from storage. Severe cracks in paint throughout. Water stain in area TM, as well as a brown stain in area RM. There is a 66 cm vertical gash down the center of the image, but has been sewn up.
View is north northwest from the John R. Brodie Science Center (?). Photograph shows: Citizens' Science Building, Brandon College Building and Clark Hall, the Education Building and the driveway running in front of the buildings.
Arthur D. Amiotte is a member of Oglala Sioux Tribe. Educated in the U.S., Amiotte has worked on and edited numerous native art and myth books. As a recognized artist, Amiotte won many awards and honors from various North American arts foundations. Amiotte has been exhibited extensively in the United States and Canada. (The Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba files)
