Artwork copyright Maynard Lavadour. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1985.

Artwork copyright Maynard Lavadour. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1985 (detail).

Man's Ceremonial Shirt, 1984

Maynard Lavadour
American Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Cayuse Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) (born 1960)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

About the Artwork

Cayuse and Nez Perce artist Maynard Lavadour created the hand-sewn and beaded Man's Ceremonial Shirt from three buckskin hides. The shirt was crafted after traditional ceremonial garments and is decorated with large pony beads, claws, teeth, bone, shells, and brass tacks given to the artist by his grandmother. The red geometric accents reference a color traditionally worn by men at times of war. This artwork is part of Beyond Blue Mountains, a collection that was curated by late Tlingit (Native Alaskan) artist Jim Schoppert. It presents the work of Native American artists of diverse heritage, ideas, materials, and styles. The collection takes an in-depth look at the artists’ unique voices and interpretations of tradition.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Washington State Arts Commission.

About the Artist

Native American artist Maynard Lavadour (Cayuse and Nez Perce) creates intricate hand-crafted beadwork.