Eileen became enamored of Indian lore, colorful natives in everyday settings, and Indian rituals after moving from the East Coast to California in 1965. She and Fred traveled to visit Indian habitats in the Southwest then researched the aspects that particularly caught their interest. In this painting, Eileen said she wanted to capture the “dignity and strength” she felt about a real person, a real warrior, and an iconic image. Depicting Indian life and lore were prominent subjects for her during the late 1960s and the 1970s, giving them much the same attention she had showered upon Mexican themes following the many trips she and Fred had taken throughout Mexico while living in New England.