By Jennifer Rugge 

2019 Art Reception 

Mixed media, papers, mineral paints, gold leaf, charcoal and cold wax

Collaboration with Nevada City Rancheria Spokesperson and Tribal Council Member Shelly Covert

In the painting, kapa holds and protects sacred Nisenan beings and the Sacred Mountain, 'estom yanim is etched along his back. If you look closely, other important Nisenan symbology can be found as-well-as great animal beings who are completely gone or in danger of disappearing. We are grateful to artist Jennifer Rugge for creating this image exclusively for our 10th Anniversary Nisenan Heritage Day poster and merchandise. The Mountain Lion, pekun, watches and protects. It is a symbol of leadership, the balance of power, intention, physical strength, and grace or as the balance of body, mind and spirit. Here the shoulders and back of pekun reflect the ridge of the sacred mountain, ‘estom yanim.