This commission is the artist's pinnacle work and Greeves’ largest artwork to date. Each section panel of the triptych depicts a Kiowa woman who represents the past, the present, and the future of Kiowa sovereignty, specifically, and Indigenous resilience more broadly. Greeves’ figurative narrative approach to beadwork is connected to a centuries-old Native American art form of beadwork. She often draws influence from her childhood home of Windriver Reservation, historic pictorial Kiowa paintings, and abstracted beaded motifs. Teri Greeves’ curation and artworks pay homage to the influence and vitality of Native American women throughout history. Notice the hand-dyed silk panels with a horizon line of earthy browns and a skyline of beaded constellations.

[Graphic of Right Panel – outline of figure]

The panel on the left portrays an iconic Kiowa historical figure, Atah (1853 - 1947), known for her prolific beadwork, which featured elongated geometric patterns inspired by the natural world. Atah was the last woman to ride on horseback on a Kiowa war party. She was instrumental in warning the Kiowa people of an imminent attack, saving many lives in the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon. The Grandmother is a figure that emerges within Kiowa oral histories and across many Native American stories, representing common sense and a sacred, special role often connected to wisdom. In the Kiowa community, Grandmothers are responsible for the passage of intergenerational information. Observe the delicately beaded sparkling spider hanging from a star on this panel. This small spider connects to womanhood, motherhood, and matriarchal roles.

Materials 3-leaf Sumac, shifted with Iron dyed Hemp Silk 6mm Czech faceted ‘fire-polish’ glass beads, 4mm Czech faceted ‘fire-polish’ glass beads, 6mm Druk glass beads, 4mm Druk glass beads, 6x4mm Czech faceted ‘fire-polish’ glass beads, 6mm crystal round pearls, 4mm crystal round pearls, 4mm moonstone beads, 4mm snow quartz beads, 4mm mother of pearl beads, 6mm lava rock beads, 6mm cedar beads, 6mm serpentine beads, 4mm peridot jasper beads, trade beads, metal disc beads, sterling silver beads, sterling silver antique button, bone hair-pipe, mescal beans, faceted nickel, brass, & copper beads, Swarovski montees, faceted chocolate diamond beads, faceted black diamond beads, hand cut/stamped nickel silver, hand cut bone ‘teeth’

[Graphic of Center Panel – outline of figure]

The central figure is Atah’s descendant, a young woman named [Bâibàu:dàmà (whose English name is Evelyn Cocker, born 2013). In 2024, [Bâibàu:dàmà was given the honored position of auday mautahn (favored daughter) for Thon Khon Gah (the Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society), which bears significant cultural and societal context for current and future generations. Greeves’ depiction of Auday Mautahn [Bâibàu:dàmà symbolizes hope in a bright future and prayer for the continuity of Kiowa sovereignty and of Indigenous nations more broadly. The Child is a figure that emerges within Kiowa oral histories and across many Native American stories, representing innocence or a stage of learning and mistakes. The Child is often the main character of stories whose journey is tied to destiny.

Materials Center Panel Materials: Osage Orange/Bodarc dyed Hemp Silk 6mm Czech faceted ‘fire-polish’ glass beads, 4mm Czech faceted ‘fire-polish’ glass beads, 6mm Druk glass beads, 4mm Druk glass beads, 4mm cultured pearls, 6mm crystal round pearls, 4mm crystal round pearls, 4mm obsidian beads, 4mm mother of pearl beads, 6mm carnelian beads, 6mm lava rock beads, 6mm wood beads, 6mm millefiori beads, 2 species of cowrie shells, flat pearl, mescal beans, bone hair-pipe, tin cones, hand cut/stamped nickel silver, 13/0 charlotte cut-beads, 10 carat yellow diamond, 22K gold

[Graphic of Left Panel – outline of figure]

The panel on the right depicts Gyah Khoam Audah, Atah’s namesake (whose English name is Deborah Toyebo, born 1967). Toyebo is a beadworker and the former Women’s Auxiliary President of Thon Khon Gah (the Kiowa Black Leggings Warrior Society). The Mother is a figure that emerges within Kiowa oral histories and across many Native American stories. As a life giver, she is known for her loving care, protection, and at times, great sacrifice. Her presence or absence in stories shapes the character and the protagonists’ journey.

Materials Juniper root/coffee dyed Hemp Silk 6mm Czech faceted ‘fire-polish’ glass beads, 4mm Czech faceted ‘fire-polish’ glass beads, 6mm Druk glass beads, 4mm Druk glass beads, 6x4mm Czech faceted ‘fire-polish’ glass beads, 6mm glass beads, 6mm cats eye glass beads, faceted aqua marine bead, rainbow obsidian, bone hair-pipe, 4mm mother of pearl beads, metal disc beads, faceted nickel, brass, & copper beads, Swarovski montees, hand cut/stamped nickel silver, 13/0 charlotte cut beads, nishikiito metal thread