Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway

Artist Statement

I am a multi-disciplinary artist and I created this mask from buffalo parfleche. My husband, Lorne and I work with buffalo hides to create parfleche and robes. I painted my version of crocuses and buffaloes. I stitched the two parfleche pieces together using red sinew and ribbon. The inside of the mask is lined with red buffalo leather. Maria Linklater shared a story about how when a baby buffalo is born a crocus sprouts up in the spot where the baby buffalo belly button drops. I love this story and incorporate crocuses with my buffalo whenever I can. I love using red because it reminds me of strong, resilient Indigenous women and it is associated with passion and fire. Joely BigEagle-Kequahtooway, Nakota/Cree/Saulteaux from the White Bear First Nations in SK.