Sculpture Guide: Buffalo Prayer
August 18, 2015
Buffalo Prayer
James Earle Fraser
Modeled ca. 1917, cast posthumously 1968
Location: To the left of the front entrance
James Earle Fraser, made famous for his design of the buffalo nickle and his iconic sculpture, The End of the Trail, (seen inside the Whitney gallery), depicted a dramatic and emotional Plains Indian medicine man standing in reverent prayer. Fraser grew up in South Dakota and had many encounters with Plains Indians. The artist modeled the sculpture after he witnessed a “medicine man, or counselor of the tribe, make his prayer. It was for the return of the buffalo.”
James Earle Fraser (1876 – 1953). Buffalo Prayer, modeled ca. 1917, copyrighted 1931, cast posthumously 1968. Cast 1 of edition of 2, Modern Art Foundry, New York, New York. Bronze, H 107.5 x W 36.5 inches. Gift of William E. Weiss. 51.72
Written By
Nancy McClure
Nancy now does Grants & Foundations Relations for the Center of the West's Development Department, but was formerly the Content Producer for the Center's Public Relations Department, where her work included writing and updating website content, publicizing events, copy editing, working with images, and producing the e-newsletter Western Wire. Her current job is seeking and applying for funding from government grants and private foundations. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys photography, reading, flower gardening, and playing the flute.
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