"Cloak of Honor"

It's been awhile since my last posting...Christmas was a busy time for me. As vice-president of Shows for my local art guild, I had to oversee the installation of the Western Art Show that is being held concurrently with the Ft. Worth Livestock & Exposition Show in Ft. Worth, Tx. Our Western Show will be held during the entire month of February. It includes not only western, but Native American, wildlife, landscape & photography. One of the entries is this painting of a Cherokee man who is known as the "Principal Chief". As head of the Cherokees, he dons a turkey feather cloak when welcoming other tribal dignitaries, at weddings, or any ceremony which requires his presence as acting Principal Chief. Only a man who exhibits great leadership skills for guiding his people has the honor to wear this robe....hence, the "cloak of honor."
Pastel on Canson paper...18 x 24...Private collection