Strong Medicine Rescue

THE RESCUE OF TALL BULL
PATRICK A ZABEL 

The rescue of Tall Bull, Chief of the Cheyenne Dog Soldier tribe, by Wolf with Plenty Hair, is a singular instance of bravery and valor in the face of danger. In a Coup and combat situation these two venerated warriors drew considerable attention from their enemy, the Pawnee, seeking to gain prowess and honor in battle.

Wolf with Plenty Hair’s rescue of Tall Bull is an extraordinary feat of bravery!!
Wolf is a chosen Sash, or Dog Rope, carrier of the warrior class of the Cheyenne Indian Nation called The Dog Men or Dog Soldiers.Singled out by the warriors themselves to be the wearer of the sacred sash!This meant that Wolf’s free choice to hold this honor for one season, put him at the top of the enemies “hit list”. His bravery and ability in combat and daily functioning of the tribe set him apart.

The sash wearer was one who was committed to "stake” himself in a crucial battle to protect his people and draw the heat of battle to himself. Dismounting and pinning the sash or "dog rope" to the ground, declaring his intention to fight to the death.

Tall Bull, as leader of the Dog Soldiers at this time, had to be a venerated and accomplished warrior in many ways to hold that respected position.Tall Bull's sacred shield being a prevalent part of this historical event, is portrayed with having sacred "medicine" to help in protecting him in battle.Tall Bull and Wolf with Plenty Hair were warrior "brothers" who lived, fought and ultimately died together for their way of life.

"On July 11, 1869, at Summit Spgs, Colo. Death came to Wolf with Plenty Hair as well as numerous others of the dog soldiers, including Tall Bull the leader of the dog soldiers at that time. On that day Major Eugene A Carr led the 5th Cavalry and 150 Pawnee scouts in an attack on Tall Bull's village. At the head of the charge, stripped for battle, were the dog soldier’s greatest enemies- the Pawnee. When the fight ended, the army counted fifty-two warriors dead. Among them were Tall Bull, and next to him, "staked " to the dog rope, was Wolf with Plenty Hair.1"

This whole concept and subsequent studies so moved me that I began studying this back in 1982. I searched and studied and looked to find the accuracy and understand the “Heart” of this. learning some of the native tongue of the Cheyenne People and forging friendships with my “Indian” friends. To the point of being accepted into certain circles of trust and friendship. I hold this honor as sacred and very personal!

I know horses and having grown up with them , used my own hand made bows and arrows to shoot from my horse while riding bareback. studying the lifestyles and applications of warriors and the making and building of their weapons, has been a continued pursuit of mine since I was about 12 years old. This piece is something I have wanted to do for quite some time so it is a very special work to me in that light.

The Idea of rescue and being rescued as a type of " salvation " if you will, has always intrigued me and been a considerable part of numerous sculptures I have done. I wrote a breif summary on just this subject from personal experience as well as study of history and the bible.

God Bless you and all good medicine,

WHEN THE LEGENDS DIE THERE ARE NO MORE DREAMS. WHEN THE DREAMS DIE THERE IS NO MORE GREATNESS.2

Patrick Zabel
pazpa@live.com 

1: paraphrased from excerpt in , " Cheyenne Dog Soldiers, A ledgerbook history of coups and combat". by Jean Afton, David Fridtjoff Halaas and Andrew E Masich. pg. 62 paragraph 6
2: my rendition of an ancient Native American saying. Attributed to Tecumseh, renowned Shawnee war chief and spokesman from the 18th century