Bill O’Neill Native American Warrior Print — Reclaimed Barnwood Frame 29x24

Powerful black-and-white lithograph by Montana artist Bill O’Neill (1926–1999), titled War Chief. The image portrays a Sioux warrior in full headdress astride a rearing horse, shield and rifle in hand, rendered in O’Neill’s dramatic stippling and fine linework. The artist’s signature is incorporated within the lithograph plate, affirming its authenticity.

From Bill O’Neill himself: “The War Chief is a Sioux warrior. The Sioux Indians were the same tribe that fought General Custer at the Battle of the Little Big Horn, wiping out his entire command of more than 265 men. The Chieftain is ‘dressed-out’ in Sioux-Cheyenne Indian garb. Actually, the Sioux Nation is broken into seven sub-tribes, the Teton Lakota. ‘Sioux’ means ‘Snake,’ a name given by their Native brothers to the east, as a warning to encroaching white trappers. A Sioux on the ground was just another tough Indian, but put a good war horse under a score of them, and ‘watch out entire US Army!’ They, and most of the rest of their native brethren, were equals to history’s best cavalry soldiers — and, in my opinion, were the best!”

Presented in a reclaimed barnwood frame with protective plexiglass, the work measures 29 x 24 inches overall, with a visible image area of 22 x 17 inches. War Chief exemplifies O’Neill’s ability to fuse artistry with narrative, making it both a striking display and a conversation piece steeped in Native American history.

Condition:

Good condition overall, with no damage to the print or frame. Some light debris is visible behind the plexiglass (see photos), though it does not detract from overall presentation. The reclaimed barnwood frame is sturdy, its natural character enhancing the artwork’s frontier aesthetic.

Dimensions:

• Overall (framed): 29 x 24 inches

• Visible artwork: 22 x 17 inches