As the Buffalo Leave is a signed and numbered limited edition print by Chuck DeHaan. The eyes of this seemingly successful hunter reveal a sadness of heart. The buffalo is not to be found. Consequently, he has had to resort to smaller game to feed his people. A deer and a snow goose will help keep the wolf away from the teepee, but they compare poorly to the bountiful buffalo which once roamed the hunting grounds and provided the food, clothing, shelter, and even tools for the entire tribe. Sadly, one of the primary reasons for the white man's unsightly slaughter of the buffalo was to "starve out the injuns." Wholesale, wasteful killings, sometimes from trains, often left thousands of buffalo carcasses to rot on the plains. Another plan to starve out the Native American was to severely limit his supply of powder and ammunition, forcing him to resort to the more primitive bows, arrows, and lances. Note this experienced hunter is armed only with his bow and arrows, with which he has been duly successful. Even with the introduction of firearms, most tribes continued with their old traditions of mandatory training for all young men to become proficient with the bow and arrow. The artist's striking portrayal of the mounted hunter reveals the white man's continuing influence. Of course, the horse itself was originally introduced by the Spanish conquistadors to the high plains. The Indian quickly learned to ride and control his mount with minimum equipment; yet, he relished anything the white man had which would benefit his horsemanship. While he regarded the paleface's traditional saddle as "too confining," he readily used stirrups (shown here) in his scanty, native saddle. Also, note the old snaffle-bit bridle he has chosen. The weather-worn face of this hunter reflects many successful buffalo hunts of the past. But there will be no bison meat in the camp today. Image size is 22 1/2" x 18". Overall size is 26" x 21". It was published by Guild Hall in 1993 in a limited edition of 925. About the Artist: Chuck DeHaan is a sculptor and oil painter of present day cowboys in a traditional style. He has been interested in art since childhood. Self-taught at a young age, DeHaan has also worked with horses for most of his life. During his rodeo career, he rode his first bull at age thirteen, and later specialized in bronc riding. He has done artwork for many Western magazine and catalog covers, and even headed up his own advertising agency for twelve years.