Barona's commission He Who Fights With a Feather

The first of several monumental art placements commissioned by the Barona Band of Mission Indians was "He Who Fights with a Feather" by Denny Haskew and the National Sculptors' Guild. 

This composition was first introduced as a maquette in the 1995 Red Earth Invitational in Oklahoma City where it won First Prize. 

The Barona Band of Mission Indians in Lakeside, California sponsored the enlargement in 1996. The project included the landscape design of a garden courtyard featuring all of the historical basket making plant materials used by the reservation. Our design team received an AIA Orchid award. Among other awards, it was selected as the cover image of the "Indian Gaming Magazine", "Paradigm", and "Explore Indian Country".


"He Who Fights with a Feather" pays tribute to the many veterans, especially our Native American veterans, who have fought and sacrificed for our country. The tombstone pays tribute to those who have died in this sacrifice. The kneeling Native American weeps for those persons who are now gone. He reaches for the comfort of Mother Earth with his outstretched hand. Behind stands a symbol of Hope. There may be life after this life that those fallen warriors are now enjoying, there is life now that is filled with the freedom we enjoy from their sacrifices. She lays an eagle feather on his shoulder to show that all creatures of the earth stand with him in his sadness and wish for a peaceful world for all that live in the four directions. It is unlike other Veteran's memorials in that it comments on all conflicts and speaks to every person, whether they have experienced war time or not, a true effort to eliminate misunderstandings for the future.

NSG Public Art Placement 41
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"Mother
I reach for your
warmth.

But
my heart seems to –
break.

Memories now
these spirits made to march –
and die.

Known
only as stone slabs –
resting here.

Wind
are you also someone’s
breath?

​Spirit warriors
remind us all of our ways –
to Love."
- Denny Haskew

The tombstone of the sculpture reads: 

He Who Fights With A Feather
​
​This memorial pays tribute to the Native Americans who have fought and sacrificed in the many conflicts that our government has chosen to participate.

The kneeling man reaches to Mother Earth in search of strength and comfort.

Behind him stands a symbol of Hope, touching his shoulder with an eagle feather, she conveys hope and understanding for a time when conflict may be solved more peacefully.

With honor and respect for all beings.

Sculptor, Denny Haskew

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"He Who Fights with a Feather", is an award winning figurative bronze whose message is one of healing. It depicts a cloaked figure who touches a warrior’s back with an eagle feather: all the concentrated weight of the sculpture surrounds and balances the delicate sliver of the feather. The sculpture speaks of a better way than war and blesses the warrior in his grief of the fallen soldiers of today and yesterday.