Chris Ravenshead to present program on “Perspectives on Lakota Quillwork” at Crazy Horse Memorial on August 20th
CRAZY HORSE MEMORIAL – Chris Ravenshead will present a program entitled “Perspectives on Lakota Quillwork” on Thursday, August 20th at 6 p.m. during the free Thursday Night Summer Performance & Lecture Series at Crazy Horse Memorial.
Chris Ravenshead is originally from Belgium and came to South Dakota twenty years ago. He lived on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation for seventeen years, before moving to the Black Hills. While he lived on the reservation Chris learned Lakota humor and was encouraged to spend more time learning about the opinion and thought of elders. From the elders, he learned the Lakota language, culture, and how to understand their way of life and thinking.
Chris traveled to many powwows and ceremonies, while learning to sing the Lakota songs and to understand the meaning of the songs. Also through the elders, he learned the art of Lakota quillwork in the Lakota way while learning craftsmanship and designs. He designs and creates a variety of quillwork using materials and techniques of the 19th century Lakota culture. He is considered a purist at heart without the contemporary influences. Some of his quillwork can be viewed at Akta Lakota Museum in Chamberlain and Prairie Edge in Rapid City.
Chris has come to love and respect the Lakota ways and was honored with the Hunka ceremony by his Hunka sister, Evelyn “Sissy” Goodhouse. She is the wife of Cedric Goodhouse from the Standing Rock Reservation. The Lakota name given to Chris is Tasunke Ska (White Horse).
There will be free admission to Crazy Horse Memorial for those attending this education program, with a suggested donation of 3 cans of food per person for the KOTA Care & Share Food Drive. After the program please take the time to tour the complex and stay for the spectacular laser light show at dark.
On August 27th the 2009 Summer Performance & Lecture Series will conclude with Terra Houska presenting “Lakota Dance & Regalia”.