1992, Warrior Series, bronze with hand-detailed patina and polychrome, edition number AC/50, with artist signature and fingerprint, presented on a conforming walnut swivel plinth, with engraved brass gallery plaque. Included with the Lot is a signed Certificate of Authenticity and Gallery purchase receipts.

"American Horses" depicts the 19th century Oglala Sioux Chief astride an appaloosa. The warshirt and headdress are traditional in style. The banner of eagle feathers represents the warrior's stature in the tribe. The appaloosa, and American derivation of a Spanish breed, is guided by a US Cavalry bridle and bit. His stride is indicative of the surefootedness and speed which made this horse prized by many warriors.
An eloquent spokesman in times of turbulence for Native Americans and the Sioux, American Horse advocated for the needs of his fellow Native Americans in the face of Westward expansion. American Horse opposed Crazy Horse during the Great Sioux War of 1876-1877 and the Ghost Dance Movement of 1890, and was a Lakota delegate to Washington.


Maquette 30 x 23 x 8 1/2 in.

Private Collection, Wilmington, North Carolina

Purchased directly from McGary Studios, Ruidoso, New Mexico

Dave grew up in Cody, Wyoming and is known for realistic bronze Native American figural sculpture. In the 1970s McGary earned a grant to study bronze making with western sculptor Harry Jackson (American, 1924-2011) in Italy, with emphasis on casting techniques and Renaissance marble carving. After gaining further foundry experience working in New Mexico for several years, Dave became highly interested in Native American culture through his friendship with Sioux Indian families in South Dakota. Dave has won numerous awards for his works, including the Honorary Lifetime Alumni Award from Eastern New Mexico University. He has completed several large scale public bronze monuments. In 1995, Dave's monumental 225 foot long bronze equine sculpture, "Free Spirits at Noisy Water," was installed at Hubbard Museum of the American West in Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico. Dave's work is included in various private collections, and is highly regarded not just for their intricacy and technical facility in capturing detail, but also for honoring the spirit of Native American culture. His sculptures occupy places of honor in an array of prestigious settings, including the Smithsonian Museum, the U.S. Capitol National Statuary Hall, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Wyoming State Capital, the Buffalo Bill Historical Museum, the Gene Autry Museum, Concordia University and many more.

Good estate condition; minute rubbing to patina at horse ear tips.