by Harvey Rattey
A casting of this sculpture is included in the Museum of the Rockies History Collection in Bozeman, Montana. It was donated by Darlene and Marvin Hartze and John and Wynne Gillis. The plaque displayed with the sculpture reads:
Having no permanent settlements, the Blackfeet traversed much of the land east of the Montana Rockies following the abundant game. For the Valley of the Flowers, the land we now call Bozeman, spring and the yellow blossoms of the arrow leaf balsam root heralded the annual return of its Native American residents.
This valley was neutral ground to several warring tribes. According to legend, the Sioux and Nez Perce were fighting for two days and on the third day the earth was red with the blood of its brothers when abruptly darkness covered the sun. The fighting halted; the warriors were entranced as they heard a beautiful voice singing.
At its peak, Mount Bridger erupted with a white flame which began to move down the mountainside dispersing the darkness. Evening Star, the beautiful stone maiden, illuminated in the almost blinding flames, spoke in a wondrous language, “Children of the Great Spirit, sheath the hatchet and unstring the bow. Shed not the blood of your brothers here, lest it mingle with the water and defile the Valley of the flowers below. There must be no war in the Valley of the Flowers. All must be peace, rest, and love. The Spirit Maiden has spoken the words of the Great Spirit.”
According to the legend, the truce made that day was observed by all of the People in the great valley over which Evening Star watches.
23″ x 68″ x 14″
$30,000 SOLD OUT