Cynthia Holmes - Painted Water Protectors Water Panther Hanging Shield

This painted deerhide shield was created by artist Cynthia Holmes, an enrolled member of the St. Croix Reservation.

Hide measures 20 in x 28 in, stretched hide on red willow hoop. Has a horsetail on shield and contains coral, abalone, and shells.

Artist Statement:

Energy is the medicine that supplies us.  Love and Peace are what sustain us.  Whether coral deep from the Mediterranean or turquoise from the earth’s belly, I negotiate these relatives into colorful arrangements.  The tenuous but supple deer hide – has my back at every turn.  My task is to bury the prayer within.

I am an Ojibway enrollee at St. Croix Reservation in Hertel, WI.