... The Maidu entered into
two treaties with the United States Government, one in 1851 and the
other in 1852. Although the Maidu entered into these treaties in good
faith like so many other treaties and agreements the Government reached
with other tribes, the Maidu treaties were never ratified by Congress.
For the past several
years, the Maidu have worked fervently to gain the recognition of the
Government as an Indian Nation. Without that recognition, the
Maidu face social, political, and economic hardship. The legal
maze of governmental policies, legislation, commissions, acts, trusts,
and laws, fail to take into account the numerous Native Americans who do
not reside on reservations.
For instance, without
federal recognition it is difficult, if not impossible, for individual
Maidu to receive medical attention at clinics which are established to
provide health care to Native Americans. The Maidu are not alone
in their efforts to correct this situation. Many other tribes in
the United Stats face the same sort of obstacles.
Although their artistry
with beadwork, quillwork, and basketry has long been known, the Maidu
Nation has never been portrayed by an artist. In the tradition of
find historical artists of the past, Tombiglee Studio and Penney
Lockhart proudly introduces to you YAMHIM MAIDUM ( Maidue of the
Mountain ).
For the first time in
Maidu history, this Lithograph Print is being offered to you. The
subject is a descendant of the last Medicine Man of the tribe. He is
truly the Grizzly Bear. The Grizzly Bear is the protector of the Maidu.
The five black feathers
are the five different directions of the earth, theirs being the
North-West direction. Also, the number five is an odd number, the Maidu
do not use even numbers. And, on certain occasions, a headdress of black
Eagle feathers was worn by the Medicine Man.
This limited edition will
be the first and only time that you will be able to put a piece of
history in your home of the Maidu people. The original will be place in
the Maidu Nations Future Museum in agreement with the Maidu Nation.
To further help them to be
federally recognized as an Indian Tribe, 20% of the cost will go to the
Maidu Nation. There are three paintings following this, that will
deal with the Maidu. You can
email me
to find out about the other three pieces.
