Martin Grelle's Original of Prayer's of the Pipe Carrier Sold to Highest Bidder in Scottsdale

Among Native American peoples to this day, the pipe carrier plays an important role and bears a heavy burden. Pipes are never bought; they are made. A balance between male, the pipe stem, and female, the bowl of the pipe is essential. One does not choose to carry the pipe. Rather, the pipe chooses its carrier. Those who wish to have a pipe ceremony, to have their prayers heard, cannot be denied by the pipe carrier, though they must present a small gift to the carrier. Cured tobacco, or a mixture of tobacco and other herbs such as Deers tongue leaf, Bear Berry and Red Willow- called kinnikinnick in many languages - is smoked as thanks to the Creator, Grandmother Earth, the Power of the Four Winds are offered prior to the specific entreaty. At the moment poignantly depicted in Prayers of the Pipe Carrier, the Pipe Carrier offers the first smoke to the Creator. Another Indian squats, burning an offering of herbs and twigs while the others stand quietly, watching, waiting and listening for an answer.

Martin Grelle
Prayers of the Pipe Carrier
Oil on Canvas
58 x 66 inches
Signed lower right/CA and dated 2011
Estimate: $200,000 - $300,000
Sold for $488,750 plus buyers premium

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