Morgan Ed Prayer Feathers Native American

The artwork presents a complex assemblage of natural and crafted elements against a stark white background. A central vertical structure dominates the composition; it appears constructed from slender branches or reeds, adorned with beads and what seem to be fragments of fabric in muted pinks and purples. This core element is heavily embellished with feathers – ranging in size and color from delicate downy plumes to larger, more substantial flight feathers.
Several vibrant hummingbirds are positioned around the upper portion of this central structure, their iridescent plumage rendered with meticulous detail. They appear suspended or perched amongst the feathers, creating a sense of dynamic movement and lightness that contrasts with the grounded nature of the supporting branches. A dark bird, likely a crow or raven, is situated at the lower right corner, its glossy black feathers sharply defined against the white ground.
The overall effect suggests a ritualistic object or effigy. The layering of materials – the natural wood, the manufactured beads, and the organic feathers – implies a confluence of human intervention and inherent beauty found in the environment. The presence of the hummingbirds, often associated with spirituality and transformation, alongside the crow, a symbol frequently linked to prophecy and transition, introduces layers of symbolic meaning.
The arrangement feels deliberately unbalanced; the weight of the feathered adornments pulls the structure slightly askew, suggesting fragility or impermanence. This visual instability could be interpreted as a commentary on the delicate balance between nature and culture, tradition and modernity. The artist’s choice to place these elements against an empty background emphasizes their individual significance while simultaneously isolating them from any specific context, inviting contemplation about their broader meaning.

The signature in the lower right corner and inscription at the bottom left suggest authorship and date of creation, further anchoring the work within a particular artistic practice.