Hayward Reels Goodwin Marionette

This handsome marionette, handcrafted by Buddy Big Mountain (Mohawk/Comanche) and his wife Diana who painted the shield, is dressed in the regalia of a traditional powwow dancer. Given to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in 1999, it honors Buddy and Diana’s wedding, which was held at the tribe’s annual Schemitzun Green Corn Festival in 1993.

“We wanted to share our celebration…and to say thank you to Skip Hayward, Wayne Reels, and Michael Goodwin for their hospitality and…to all who witnessed the moment of our happiness. He is a warrior dancer, who we call The Protector. His birth name is Hayward-Reels-Goodwin. He was designed after the powwow poster of traditional dancer Wayne Reels.” - Diana Big Mountain

Buddy Big Mountain, a multi-talented performer, has appeared at many tribal events at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center and Schemitzun.