Lakota Story

The Lakota Story mural is a visual narrative depicting the Lakota four seasons. The use of symbolism throughout the mural is representative of Lakota life and story-telling.

The left side of the mural, one can see the sun shining in the blue sky representing the spring and summer. With the green leaf growing upwards, this is symbolic to plant growth. Grey clouds are just as important for rain to nourish plant growth. Lightening represents the flapping wings of the great Thunderbird. Wind, thunder, and lightening comes from its eyes and beak.

In the middle part the mural one can see the symbol of the Lakota tepee. The color and patterns are symbolic of dreams, visions, achievements, and family history of the Lakota people. White dots represent the celestial bodies of the night sky. On the left and right sides of the tepee, one can see a horse hoofs. Each are painted red and purple conveying important information of fellow tribal members. Below the hoofs, one can see the river of life flowing along Mother Earth. Fish symbolize life and spiritual change within the motion of water. 

To the right side of the mural, the crescent moon represents intention, hopes, wishes, protection, and the guardian of earth. Its spirit watches over us and can change our moods. The night sky along with the gray clouds represents the winter season. Below is a brown colored leaf pointing downward symbolizing the fall season. Lastly, the fluttering of the Monarch butterfly and its flight down south and west to a warmer climate symbolizes the start of the fall season.

Thank you to St. Joseph’s Indian School; South Dakota Arts Council Artists In Schools and Communities Grant; and Art Teacher Rachel Butzin for her support in making my artist in residence possible.