The Trail of Painted Ponies 6015075 Elegancia Figurine 10.3″

The coats of buffalo are traditionally brown, so when a white buffalo is born, according to Plains Indians tribal lore, it is a sacred sign of good times to come. The horse is another animal highly revered by Native Americans, so this artist felt a blending of the two would make a striking design that honored both the buffalo and the horse. Adorned with accompanying symbols - circles around the eyes and nose to see and smell danger, lightning bolts for speed and nimble-footedness and a bear paw for strength - Tatanka Ska (Lakota for white buffalo) represents an icon of hope and positive transformation.

The Thunderbird is a dominant icon in Native American Indian culture and art, both highly respected and feared because these magical creatures could be a force for both good and evil. Their flapping wings brought rain and storms, which were good for crops, but the lightning shooting from their eyes could also cause destructive winds, flooding and fires. Throughout history, depictions of the Thunderbird have appeared on totem poles, pictographs, jewelry, carvings… and now, on a Painted Pony.

In days gone by, pull-toys were a favorite Christmas present for children. They took delight in leading their gift by a rope or string, as if it were tamely following them on their next adventure. Christmas Past brings that holiday tradition to the here and now