Native American Indian reproductions by John Kursch

MY MISSION

Many years ago I was captivated by the ingenuity and artistry of the American Indians of the old west. How they were able to create items of usefulness and beauty from natural materials still amazes me. My admiration for these talented people urged me to do years of study and research in an attempt to discover how they were able to achieve this. It was then that I decided to try to duplicate some of their work in order to get a better understanding of the processes and labor involved in creating day to day items. Even the research material lacked many important details in the 'how to' of their creations. There was much trial and error on my part before I became proficient enough to be satisfied with the end results of my re-creations. This effort has taught me much and I have gained an even higher respect and admiration for the skill, dexterity and keen eye for beauty that is evident in their work.

I have seen and examined many beautiful things in museums and private collections which show incredible amounts of work and artistry.

My goal was, and is now, to try to duplicate the skill of the Sioux, Cheyenne, Crow, Mandan, Blackfoot and various other tribes of the plains. Countless artifacts still exist which can be examined to see the details of construction as well as color combinations in the decorations. Whether the decorations were of paint, porcupine quills, beads or simple fringing the choices were nearly always impeccable and pleasing to the eye.

Things that I have repaired, duplicated or re-created over the years have been numerous and varied. Some of which include bows, arrows, moccasins, pouches, pipe bags, 'war' shirts, shields, pipe stems and carved stone pipe bowls. Many other things as well. No two items are ever alike. All materials I use in this work are the equivalent of what would have been available during the period that they represent. Even the sewing and beading is all done with natural animal sinews. I never concede to the use of synthetic materials.

My greatest pleasure is to re-create some of the more famous items on display in museums and those in photographs found in popular books about Indians. Some of these re-creations have found their way in to the hands of collectors, motion pictures, artists and National Park visitor centers.