The picture was commissioned by Native American enthusiasts Charles and Dee Wright in honor of their deceased son Austin. The picture was created by Cincinnati-based artist Mary Louise Holt, who specializes in representing the lost Native American way of life on canvas.
“It’s always been a lifelong interest,” Holt said. “As a girl I wondered what was here before all the buildings and when I started to learn about it, my interest grew.”
To paint Sacred Fire Ceremony, Holt studied old journals from explorers, settlers, and Native Americans that depicted the ceremony and also talked to archeologists and paleontologists.
Fort Ancient is the largest and most well preserved hilltop enclosure in the United States. It was used by Native American people between 100 BC and 290 AD, or close to 25 generations of people who would come at specific times of the year for religious ceremonies and special occasions.
“People see a lot of themselves in the paintings,” Holt said. “Even though they took place a long time ago, there is still a relation to modern life, especially with all the environmental concerns we are now facing.”
The Wrights said they had experienced life changing fire ceremonies of their own and wanted the park to have something that commemorated such an important event in the Native American cultures. The event was also used a fundraiser for the park.
Jack Blosser, director of Fort Ancient, said sacred fire ceremonies were used to create unity among the people and were like large church services.
“Sacred fire ceremonies have been a part of the Native American tradition for hundreds of years,” Blosser said. “They were a crucial part of worship for them and continue to be to this day.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.
About the Author