Mark Fischer is a contemporary sculptor and a member of the Oneida Nation of Green Bay, Turtle Clan.  He was involved in Native American education for 12 years and was instrumental in establishing several Native American scholarships for Wisconsin colleges.


"It is said that ancient nations did not have a written language, but if you look, you will see they have left messages all over our nation.  It is an honor to share these non-verbal messages through my art."
- Mark Fischer.
 

#3739S

Longboat
by
Mark Fischer

The Iroquois made canoes from the bark of the oak and red elm.  Each end of the canoe was finished with a vertical prow. Iroquois canoes varied in size from twelve feet, to carry two men, up to forty feet with the capacity for thirty men.
This Mark Fischer copper sculpture includes an especially designed display table.
28" tall, 72" long, 14" deep.
Stands 76" tall on display table (also made of copper)$12000  

#3671F

Storyteller
by
Mark Fischer

Traditionally, stories were not told until the first snow fall.  Iroquois oral culture sustains many traditions and ceremonies.  Storytellers used a variety of memory aids, including canes, staffs, wampum beads, to help convey messages of the customs and beliefs of a people.
39" Tall.
$4000

#3936f

Mark Fischer

Moose Man

Traditionally, flute playing was a solitary act...to play the flute was to pray.  The flute was also played on occasion to impress a lived one.  This anthromorphic moose represents fertility, strength and power.
34.5" x 17.5"

$450

#3941

Mark Fischer

Storyteller

Traditionally, stories were not told until the first snow fall.  Iroquois oral culture sustains many traditions and ceremonies.  Storytellers used a variety of memory aids, including canes, staffs, wampum beads, to help convey messages of the customs and beliefs of a people.
23" x 13"

$450

#3674

Mark Fischer

Marriage Story

There were different ways to confirm a marriage.  One was, the man who wanted to get married would drag a pole and the one woman who steps on the pole will go to the creek, and he will take her by the hand.  If they cross to the other side, then she will become his wife.  If they fall, then he will have to drag his pole again.
21.5" x 14"

$300

#3718F

Mark Fischer

Giving Thanks

It was the Oneida custom to give thanks in the spring when they finished making maple sugar and syrup.  They gave thanks when it was planting time, when the strawberries and corn became ripe, and most of all, when harvest was done.

20.5" tall

$225

#3943s

Mark Fischer

Mother Earth

We give greetings and thanks to our Mother Earth - she gives us that which makes us strong and healthy.  We are grateful that she continues to perform her duties as she was instructed.  The women and Mother Earth are one-givers of life.  We are her color, her flesh and her roots.
(Iroquois Prayer of Thanksgiving.)

21" x 13"

$300

Rainbow

Inspired by the beautiful rainbow of colors seen in many Oneida women's outfits, whether traditional or fancy, Mark names this piece "Rainbow"  The Oneidas are one of the only tribes to use pink and purple in addition to primary colors...therefore utilizing all the colors of the rainbow.

22.5" tall

#3727s

Mark Fischer

Three Sisters

Known as the "sustainers of life", the Iroquois consider corn, beans and squash to be special gifts from the Creator.  These three sisters, sisters who would never be apart from one another, should be planted together  and celebrated together. 

20" tall x 10.5" wide
 

$260