Chief Red Iron
A special project is underway to honor Maza Sha (Chief Red Iron), a Sisseton Dakota Indian Chief. Click here for more information. You can donate directly to Matt at his PayPal account (go to PayPal and make payment to "whitestarstudiosd@gmail.com") or via check (mailed to P.O. Box 191, Pringle, South Dakota 57773).
In 1851, Red Iron played a prominent role throughout the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux negotiations with the US Government. Red Iron was considered a progressive in his ideas. As early as 1845, he and his brother had each built for themselves a neat log cabin, barn and storehouse for their field products. In later years, Red Iron was a member of the Dakota delegation to Washington in 1858. He was opposed to the Dakota War of 1862 and he and his band helped protect the captives at Camp Release. He also served as an Indian scout during the years 1863 to 1866. History of the Sioux War by Isaac Hear and Henry Benjamin Whipple, 1863.
Siouxper Boy
Currently a twelve-foot, seven-inch modern contemporary piece titled Siouxper Boy has been installed and is showcased at the Rapid City Regional Airport near the Black Hills of South Dakota.
The inspiration behind the piece: It’s all before him, as it is for all of us. The airplane can take him anywhere he wants to go, if he is willing to work hard for his dreams. Inside the case is the rest of his dance costume and his moccasins are attached to the handle. Siouxper Boy is really a bridge from the horse culture of the Lakota indigenous people and the culture of the future. New technology, such as the airplane, have shrunk the world for all of us.
Water Carrying Woman
A life size sculpture underway with smaller maquettes available.
Additional projects
I have always been asked, mostly by children; are you a real cowboy and real Indian? I tell them yes, because Indians and cowboys are free individuals, and both love unbroken wild places. Both work hard, both have what they need and if they don't need it they don't have it. I have the heart of both.
I was not born native, but around 1990 I was adopted in a sacred Hunka ceremony. This is a very sacred rite of the Lakota/Dakota where making of a relative is honored. This took place in Wagner, SD with the Yankton Dakota. Since my first memory, my heart has always been with the Indian people. I have lived with the Navajo, Blackfeet, Dakota and Lakota. I am no expert on culture or sacred ways, I only have a genuine heart for the people themselves.
Matthew Lanz
