After the dedication of the Chief Washakie monument by Dave McGary in the nation’s Capitol in 2000 a masterwork of the monument was gifted by descendants of the famous Shoshone War Chief to the Smithsonian Museum. Dave was taken on a tour of the Museum archives. During the tour he saw vintage photos from the 30’s and 40’s of Native Americans seated in old cars and trucks.

These old photos sparked a creative flame in Dave that would embrace his love for classic cars and the happy memories associated with his own experiences as a guest for numerous powwows, in Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota.

Dave McGary once again is broadening his creative horizons in his latest sculpture "Powwow Limo." Dave’s latest premiere masterwork combines his love of classic cars that he has collected for the last twenty years, with his passion for story telling in bronze. In this 1940’s interpretation featuring three Plains Indians in ceremonial dress about to depart in an old 1932 Ford roadster to participate in a powwow Dave has for the first time created a bronze during the 20th century reservation period.

When the V-8 first made its appearance in the 1932 Fords it heralded the era of the American dream car: large, powerful, and twenty years ahead of its time. The one piece V-8 engine, with its down draft carburetor, enabled the 1932 Ford to outperform all other popular competitors. Ford still produced the four cylinder car, in part to pacify those that demanded the four cylinders, and in part as a fail-safe against the untested V-8. Ford originally produced 12,597 of the 1932 roadster. Additional cars produced by Ford were the Cabriolet, The Victoria, The Phaeton, a roadster pickup, & the Three-window Deluxe Coupe and Five- Window Standard Coupe.

The 1932 Ford, better known as the Deuce, is the icon of street racing everywhere. It was faster, more refined, a masterpiece of industrial design, and yet still affordable. The Deuce has been raced from dry lakes in California to drag strips in Indiana.

In "Powwow Limo" Dave shares his vision of three friends about to head out on a road trip in an old l932 Ford roadster. The driver is standing patiently with his foot propped up on the running board waiting for their departure. He wears a pictorial beaded vest and trade shirt. His personal style also is displayed in his elaborately beaded leggings, moccasins, and a reservation hat with a beaded band.

Seated in the passenger seat is one of the drummers for the powwow. The drumbeat is sacred and is said to represent the heartbeat of Mother Earth. He is drumming on a beautiful handmade drum while he sings. His happiness is contagious to those around his circle. He also wears a colorful beaded shirt. His beaded leggings and moccasins are worn with great pride.

The third passenger is seated in the rumble seat. He wears a magnificent chief’s bonnet with many golden Eagle feathers which represent his status and respect of accomplishment among his people. The flowing trailer of feathers is held in one hand and partially draped over the back of the rumble seat. In his right hand is an eagle wing prayer fan. He wears a ceremonial shirt with detailed beadwork. Included in his regalia are his magnificent ceremonial leggings and beaded moccasins.

The excitement and history surrounding the powwow evolved from ancient celebrations and is the oldest public festival. Originally powwows were planned around seasonal changes which they celebrated with feasting, dancing, singing and drumming.

Powwow dancers personal style and artistic expression are revealed in their colorful regalia. This style originates from either societal functions or ceremonial events of their past. The ceremonial regalia are worn with pride and great responsibility.

Male dancers wear leggings and a breech cloth decorated with ribbons and bead work. A breastplate of bones and beads are sometimes worn across the chest. Occasionally a headdress accompanies the outfit with a bustle of feathers worn on his back. Female dancers wear dresses decorated with beads, quill work, elk teeth or shells. Beaded moccasins and leggings are also worn by women dancers. Belts, braids, beads, feathers and various sashes may be added to regalia according to the dancer’s personal expression of their life.

Pageantry for the powwow is important to keep cultures and traditions alive for future generations of Native Americans. The dancing embraces "The Circle of Life" which is endless with no beginning, and no end. In celebrating "The Circle of Life" the physical structure of the powwow setting is a circle. The dance arena, known as the arbor, is a larger circular area in the center of the designated location.

The main focus of the powwow is dancing, drumming, and singing. Other activities of the celebrations includes games, feasts, giveaways and honoring ceremonies.

Drumming and singing accompanies all dancing during the powwow. The drumbeat is sacred and is said to represent the heartbeat of Mother Earth that calls the nations together. Due to the religious significance of the drums they are never left unattended.

Powwows are celebrations where personal differences and common problems are worked on together. This special celebration encourages unity among Native Americans while embracing a common heritage through old friends, new friends, and family members. Dave’s latest bronze “Powwow Limo” continues to show us the historical as well as the enjoyable times during the 19th and 20th centuries.