WAR PONY  bronze by Chris Navarro  H-12.5’’ L -7’’ W- 5’’

In Native American cultures, horses meant power, wealth and survival. To paint a horse for battle or for a buffalo hunt was a sacred act. The painted symbols were to spiritually and physically enhance the power of both horse and rider. A handprint meant vengeance against an enemy and success in hand combat. Hail markings predicted the enemy’s defeat. Circles around the horse’s eye strengthened its senses for battle. Painted horse hooves symbolized successful raids or the number of horses stolen. Slashes across a horse’s face indicated the successful defeat of an enemy village. Eagle feathers tied in a horse’s mane symbolizes strength, bravery and honor. I have put these symbols on my newest sculpture ‘’WAR PONY’’ I have cut the painted symbols out  in the sculpture giving it a very mystical look.