Original Hunkpapa Lakota Painting titled “Tawacin Wasté Win” by Sheridan MacKnight

Tawacin Wasté Win: A Testament to Tradition and Compassion in Sheridan MacKnight's Art

This large original painting, a creation of Hunkpapa Lakota painter and jeweler Sheridan MacKnight, is a testament to the enduring influence of traditional Native American art forms. While our collection primarily features works by early Pueblo and Navajo artists, we are always eager to explore the works of Native artists from other regions. Occasionally, we encounter contemporary artists whose works beautifully reflect and expand upon these traditional styles.

One such artist is Sheridan MacKnight, whose captivating paintings caught our attention at the 2019 Santa Fe Indian Market. We are delighted to present one of his works, completed using gouache and ink on archival watercolor paper, to our readers.

Titled "Tawacin Wasté Win," which translates to "good and compassionate woman," the painting depicts a woman adorned in traditional Lakota regalia. The artist describes the creation of this clothing as "a ceremonial process in itself," underscoring its significance to both the wearer and the maker. The woman, portrayed as graceful, elegant, and beautiful, is encircled by a ring of eagle feathers, sacred symbols in Lakota culture. Lines of dots extend outward from each feather, adding to the symbolic depth of the piece.

Two deer, comfortable in the woman's presence due to her compassionate nature, accompany her. The bottom of the image is lined with four sagebrush plants, while a single horizon line crosses behind the woman and deer, grounding the image. Hovering just above the horizon line are red dots, representing connections with the ancestors.

"Tawacin Wasté Win" is a large and impressive piece, exuding a presence that is simultaneously powerful and calming. We are thrilled to share this remarkable work with our Native painting collectors.

The painting is signed Sheridan in lower right.  It was framed beautifully, using high-quality archival materials and a three-tiered black frame, by Justin’s Frame Designs in Santa Fe.

Sheridan MacKnight (1959- ) is Hunkpapa Lakota painter and jeweler who resides in Los Angeles, California and Santa Fe, New Mexico.  MacKnight is from the Standing Rock Reservation and White Earth Chippewa from Minnesota. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pasadena, California’s Art Center College of Design.  She has received many awards at the Santa Fe Indian Market, and has participated in shows at the Heard Museum, MoCNA, Hood Museum, San Diego Museum of Art, and Pablita Velarde Museum of Indian Women in the Arts.

Provenance: from the artist

Condition: this Original Hunkpapa Lakota Painting titled "Tawacin Wasté Win" by Sheridan MacKnight is in original condition

TAGS: Native American Paintings, Sheridan MacKnight, Lakota