Honoring tradition

Dancer, 30×40, Oil on Linen, by Leana Asher

Ladies fancy shawl is the newest form of Native ameican women’s dance. The women dance by twirling, hopping, and glide across the arena that mimics a buttlfly in flight. The dancer wears a frindged shawl, moccasins and leggings along with a flared shirt accompied with a vest or yoke. The dance is strenuous and very athletic dance. Accessories can include beaded earrings, hair ties, chokers and headbands.

Here I honor the flight and grace of the women’s fancy shawl dancer. The dancer here is adorned in primary colors on a neutral background. She is light and free.