Buffalo Scapula Prayer Fan

Buffalo Bone Scapula Prayer Fan

Carved Buffalo Scapula, oil painted medicine wheel, sinew fringe and leather lashing

Billy Logan, Onondaga, Turtle, 2022

Buffalo Scapula Prayer Fan is a bonecarving by Onondaga, turtle clan, artist, Billy Logan.

The scapula was harvested in October of 2021 from Gakwi:yo:h Farm owned by the Seneca Nation of Indians. It was being discarded and was a prime opportunity to take a chance with something new and interesting.

The artist took it home and immediately went to work. First, a hole was made in the ground, this was to allow for the natural decomposition and let insects to naturally clean the piece. In the holo a layer of sand was placed to allow for drainage. Next, the hole was filled and left for six months to let nature take its course.

The bone was dug up after the winter and almost all of the tissue was removed. A pan of hydrogen peroxide was filled to submerge the bone and soak for 24 hours. This sterilized the bone from any parasites which may have remained on the bone. The bone was then salted and dried for the last step of preparation.

The artist pondered the design and seen it closely resembled the prayer fan used in ceremonies, social dances and regalia for powwows. The shaped was laidout and the carving began. Each feather was detailed with the intricate lines radiating from the stem.

A medicine wheel was carved in the center of both sides which would allow the dancer who danced with the piece to display three dimensionally. The carved handprints in the various colors of the medicine wheel represent the diversity of the colors of our family members skin and to communicate we are an equal part of a whole.

Finally, the artist’s signature leather lashing was added as a grip. The artist uses this lashing on his work and its denoted by the flat handle and crossing braided pattern on one side. In addition, sinew was added as fringe to enhance the visibility of motion when used.