Artwork copyright Ben Marra. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Nez Perce, 1991

Ben Marra
(American, born 1940)

Location: Horizons Elementary, Lacey

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Nez Perce is part of a series of photographs by artist Ben Marra that document Native American powwow ceremonies. All photographs were taken on location, between dances, usually in about five minutes. He photographs the powwow competitors as he finds them, noting that "I am not creating anything but the light."

Marra notes, "Nez Perce is a proud warrior who has been dancing to the haunting whispers and the thundering drums ever since he can remember. His regalia has been passed down from his family and the belt he wears was his great-grandmother's pride. Pausing a moment between dances, he stands alone before the camera to allow the feeling to be recorded, and then he is gone again; to dance, and remember, and honor. His people were known for their fine horsemanship and their gentle character. The Appaloosa [horse] was traditionally associated with the Nez Perce and their abilities as horse people, and fine human beings."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with North Thurston Public Schools.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Seattle-based photographer Ben Marra creates images and portraits that document Native American powwows, ceremonies, and gatherings.
Marra earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Idaho in 1962. After his tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force, Ben studied photography at Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, California, receiving a degree in 1973. He established Ben Marra Photography in 1974 in Seattle, Washington.