Doris and Rick Hamilton
Spirit in the Wind
About
Us
Doris and Rick
Hamilton
Spirit in the Wind
Richard (Rick) Hamilton grew up on a
ranch in the Sandhills of North Central Nebraska. An early family hobby of
arrowhead hunting in the hills turned into a search for knowledge about the
points he found, who made them, how old were they, and how had they came to rest
in a particular area?
This interest has led to an unending quest to learn everything he could
concerning the skills and technologies of the Plains Indians. Skills that
include, flintknapping, pottery making, the making of bows and arrows, leather
tanning, ethnobotany, and many others, some of which are sadly on the brink of
extinction. His discovery of some unique plants and trees along the Keya Paha River in
Nebraska, has drawn him into the interesting world of ethnobotany. Specifically
the uses by the Sioux in that region. Richard, a former "Nebraska Photographer
of the Year", and 1995 "Nebraskaland Magazine" wildlife photo contest
winner, and a 20 year pro, embarked on a project in the summer of 1996, to video
100 plus plants and trees, that had specific uses to the Plains Indians in that
region. The complete video set provides detailed identification as well as
demonstrating many uses for the plants and trees.
Richard has hunted and taken game with his replica Sioux bow, called
turkeys using a wingbone call, caught fish with a bone fish hook and cordage
made from yucca leaves. He also makes and fires clay pottery as the Native
Americans did, and produces fire using both a bow drill and also the hand drill.
These are just a few of the many skills he has mastered in his effort to
preserve and rediscover the Native American Skills of the past.
Richard, along with his wife Doris, give many workshops, exhibits, and
demonstrations for schools, museums, organizations, youth groups, etc. in their
effort to keep some of the Plain's Indians technology and culture alive today.
His articles and photos have been published in various books and magazines.
"Spirit in the Wind " is Richard's Lakota name. It was given to
him by a Medicine Woman of the Lakota tribe. Richard's first replica arrow was
given in the name of friendship to the Lakota people.