Totem for Henu (First Daughter)

Truman Lowe, Totem for Henu (First Daughter), 1985, pine and peeled willow, 126 12 × 15 × 15 in. (321.3 × 38.1 × 38.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase made through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, 2022.9.3, © 2021, Truman Lowe Estate

Artwork Details

Title
Totem for Henu (First Daughter)
Artist
Date
1985
Dimensions
126 12 × 15 × 15 in. (321.3 × 38.1 × 38.1 cm)
Copyright
© 2021, Truman Lowe Estate
Credit Line
Museum purchase made through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment
Mediums
Mediums Description
pine and peeled willow
Classifications
Subjects
  • Abstract
Object Number
2022.9.3

Artwork Description

These two sculptures share similar forms, materials, and traits, yet each one is distinct, just like the siblings they represent. Truman Lowe made these works with his two children in mind. But instead of titling them with their personal names, he used Ho-Chunk words that signify "firstborn son" (Kenu) and "firstborn daughter" (Henu). The bent willow branches recall the materials and techniques of basket weaving that Lowe learned from his parents, bringing another generation into this abstract family portrait.

Works by this artist (1 item)

A. Kinder or Rinder, Drawing on Door, 1887, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Laura Dreyfus Barney and Natalie Clifford Barney in memory of their mother, Alice Pike Barney, 1952.13.82
Drawing on Door
Date1887
oil on canvas
On view

More Artworks from the Collection

William Holbrook Beard, The Runaway Match, 1877, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1977.55
The Runaway Match
Date1877
oil on canvas
Not on view
John Henry Twachtman, Figure in Sunlight (Artist's Wife), ca. 1890-1900, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly, 1929.6.137
Figure in Sunlight (Artist’s Wife)
Dateca. 1890-1900
oil on canvas
On view
Unidentified (Italian), Saint, 19th century, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Laura Dreyfus Barney and Natalie Clifford Barney in memory of their mother, Alice Pike Barney, 1952.13.157
Saint
Artist
Unidentified (Italian)
Date19th century
oil on canvas
Not on view