"The Apache said the Creator made the horse, using lighting for its breath, rainbows for its hooves, the evening start for its eyes, crescent moons for its ears, and a whirlwind for its power and speed."
- David Phillips on "Wild Horse County"
The bonds between horse and human are of a deep, spiritual relationship that has shaped cultures and histories. The story of Native Americans and the horses they came to rely upon is one of resilience, respect, and mutual reliance.
Many tribes saw pinto horses as sacred animals with mystical powers. They were thought to be spirit guides or protectors - the connection to the natural and spiritual worlds.
Beyond their symbolic value, pinto horses were essential for daily life. They were used for hunting, transportation, and warfare. Their unique coat patterns provided natural camouflage, which was particularly useful in battle and hunting.
The Native American tribes, especially the Sioux, Apache, Crow, Comanche, Nez Perce, and Blackfoot became expert horsemen. And horses became so much a part of these tribes that they have been dubbed the “horse nations”.
It was the natural contrast of this stunning Virginia Range, NV wild stallion's black and white mane in combination with his piercing bright wide eye that inspired me to create "Puuku", which means "horse" in the Comanche lanquage - a reminder of pinto horses and their deep connections with Native Americans.
LOCATION: Virginia Range, Nevada
EDITION: Limited Edition of 100
PUUKU
Maria's limited edition images are printed on thick museum-quality fine art paper using archival pigment inks. She has carefully selected the best archival papers to enhance her work and ensure maximumm life.
A 1.5 inch border will be added to image size to facilitate handling and framing.
Unframed prints are shipped rolled around a tube, carefully protected with bubble-wrap inside a box.