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 (3 items)

Nancy Holt, Robert Smithson, Swamp, 1971, 6 minutes, color, sound, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase made possible by the Ford Motor Company, 2007.33.18, © 1971 The Holt/Smithson Foundation. Courtesy Electronic Arts Intermix, NY
Swamp
Date1971
6 minutes, color, sound
Not on view
Nancy Holt, Underscan, 1973-1974, single-channel video, black and white, sound; 09:12 minutes, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase made possible by the Ford Motor Company, 2007.33.17, © 1973-1974The Holt/Smithson Foundation. Courtesy Electronic Arts Intermix, NY
Underscan
Date1973-1974
single-channel video, black and white, sound; 09:12 minutes
Not on view
Nancy Holt, Maquette for Annual Ring, 1980, mixed media: assembled plexiglass, press tape, fiberboard, paperboard and wood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, Art-in-Architecture Program, 1984.13.2
Maquette for Annual Ring
Date1980
mixed media: assembled plexiglass, press tape, fiberboard, paperboard and wood
Not on view

More Artworks from the Collection

Gene Davis, Untitled, ca. 1979-1982, acrylic and pencil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Florence Coulson Davis, 1996.104.16
Untitled
Dateca. 1979-1982
acrylic and pencil on canvas
Not on view
Gene Davis, Untitled, 1982, acrylic and pencil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Florence Coulson Davis, 1996.104.12
Untitled
Date1982
acrylic and pencil on canvas
Not on view
Alma Thomas, Atmospheric Effects II, 1971, acrylic and pencil on paper, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Vincent Melzac, 1976.140.4
Atmospheric Effects II
Date1971
acrylic and pencil on paper
Not on view
Bernard Martin, Marcel Duchamp, 1971, acrylic and pencil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of an anonymous donor, 1974.129
Marcel Duchamp
Date1971
acrylic and pencil on canvas
Not on view