Sacred/Secret Stones

Site Specific, performance, digital photography, 8" x 10"

The title of my work represents the archaic symbol of Blackfoot presence and absence within these objects. My sister had obtained these arrowheads generationally as her father, and grandfather had collected them throughout their lifetime. These objects, which are known for their historic value, indeed, are archeological proof that the Blackfoot had roamed the territory and used this technology for thousands of years. The term Sacred in the title, signifies the performance of smudging the arrowheads who never saw the light of day in over 50-70 years under her family’s care. This act of acknowledgement represents the Blackfoot way of life, and symbolizes a sacred and holistic experience. The term Secret emphasizes not only the way she had found these arrowheads and kept them safe under her care, but also the history of every object that is unknown. To study the vast collection would take a lifetime; I did not want this project to be an archeological perspective by labeling, studying and analyzing every arrowhead – but rather, I wanted to place every object intuitively on a Pendleton blanket to view them as they are. I chose to look at them through the Indigenous perspective, rather than the Western perspective through these cairn of stones by embracing the land, taking in the blessings and offerings, creating a very spiritualistic experience from start till finish.