I am pleased to announce the completion of my newest bronze masterwork, "Challenges Met." This bronze sculpture features Four Bears astride his war horse. The bronze stature is a continuation of the Upper Missouri River Series and third in the "Four Bears" trilogy.

Four Bears was revered both for his exceptional bravery and for his concern for all members of the Mandan tribe. His name was given to him by a rival tribe who said he "fought like four bears." His ermine tail and shaved buffalo horn headdress with a trailer of over 30 eagle feathers was but one of many elaborate ceremonial regalia befitting a man of his position. His tribe inhabited a territory in the region of the upper Missouri River, peaking in strength in the mid-19th century.

"Challenges Met" is a bronze statue I have researched and wanted to sculpt for the past several years. I am very excited to share with you a few details about this piece. It is titled "Challenges Met" because of Four Bears numerous victories in battle. He holds with pride his chiefs staff, rare trade musket, war shield painted with images of four individual bears. His war horse is unique in the fact that only the elite and most accomplished of warriors even had horses in the early 1800’s. In the case of Four Bears prized war horse, it was elaborately adorned as the chief himself. With the most unique part of the horses regalia being his beaded and colorful embellished war mask. The mask features numerous eagle feathers and beaded symbols representing the horse’s and Chief Four Bears’ accomplishments during battles against historic enemies of the Mandan people.