bs-ahp- Allan Houser- When Meat Was Plentiful Allan Houser

The artwork presents a dynamic scene centered around a mounted figure pursuing a herd of bison across a landscape rendered with swirling, curvilinear patterns. The central figure, presumably a Native American warrior, is depicted in mid-stride atop a horse, holding aloft what appears to be a spear or lance. His posture conveys both determination and control as he engages the fleeing animals. He wears elaborate headwear and traditional attire, suggesting a ceremonial or significant occasion.
The bison herd dominates the lower portion of the composition. They are portrayed with considerable mass and energy, their forms blurred by motion, conveying a sense of panic and urgency. The artist has used darker tones to depict the bison, contrasting them against the lighter hues of the landscape and the figure’s attire, which further emphasizes their importance within the narrative.
The background is characterized by an undulating terrain, created through layered, parallel lines that suggest both depth and movement. These swirling patterns contribute to a sense of vastness and timelessness, evoking the expansive plains where this event might have occurred. The color palette is dominated by warm earth tones – ochres, browns, and yellows – which reinforce the connection to the natural environment.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of sustenance, survival, and the relationship between humans and nature. The pursuit of the bison likely symbolizes a vital source of food and resources for the depicted culture. However, the scene also carries an undertone of melancholy; the abundance implied in the title contrasts with the potential fragility of such a resource base. The swirling patterns could be interpreted as representing not only the landscape but also the cyclical nature of life and the inevitable changes that affect both human societies and the natural world.
The artist’s choice to depict this scene in a stylized, almost flattened manner suggests an attempt to transcend mere realism, aiming instead for a symbolic representation of cultural memory and historical significance. The compositions balance between action and stillness invites contemplation on the complex interplay between tradition, adaptation, and the enduring connection to ancestral lands.