Two Coups by Martin Grelle
The greatest sign of bravery for a warrior during a battle was to touch an enemy with either his bare hands or with his special, long stick called a coup stick. Coup means war count. Native American warriors proudly displayed their coups, wihch would be feathers on their war bonnets or notches on their coups sticks. The lead brave in this dramatic scene has Two Coups that testify to his bravery.
Martin Grelle received the prestigious Prix de West Purchase Award in 2005 for this exquisite painting. It hangs in the permanent collection of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.It was the second time Grelle was so honored positioning him in an elite group of five artists who have won the award twice.
