Hi guys ,

The postman brought me a very special piece yesterday from the hands for UP Miniaturen ,they have called it "Curly" or Crazy Horse as he is better known .

As always lets have a little bit of background history on Crazy Horse..........

Crazy Horse literally "His-Horse-Is-Crazy" or "His-Horse-Is-Spirited" ,born 1840 – September 5, 1877) was a war leader of the Oglala Lakota Indians He took up arms against the U.S. Federal government to fight against encroachments on the territories and way of life of his people including leading a war party at the battle of Little Bighorn in June 1876. After surrendering to U.S. troops under General Crook in 1877, Crazy Horse was fatally wounded by a military guard while allegedly resisting imprisonment .

His mother's nickname for him was "Curly" or "Light Hair"; his light curly hair resembled that of his mother ...hence the title of the model !

In addition to his first wife Black Buffalo Woman , Crazy Horse married Black Shawl Woman, a member of the Oglala Lakota .The elders sent her to heal Crazy Horse after his wounds from fighting with No Water. Crazy Horse and Black Shawl Woman were married in 1871. Black Shawl gave birth to Crazy Horse's only child, a daughter named They Are Afraid Of Her, who died in 1873. Black Shawl outlived Crazy Horse. She died in 1927 during the influenza outbreaks of the 1920s.
While married to Black Shawl Woman, Crazy Horse took Helena "Nellie" Laravie as his third wife!!!!!

Tuely a great and inspirational leader he ranks among the most notable and iconic of Native American tribal members. He has also been honoured by a stamp being produced for the US postal system , in addition to statues and all the history and legacy that he has left us .

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Moving onto the actual model itself :

Scale : 1:10th

Material : Resin

Reference Number : 0019a

Sculptor : Ulrich Puchala

As usual from UP , it was received very quickly and well packed ,as always it comes surrounded by chippings in the distinctive box used so no need to show the box I feel !!!, coming complete with an information sheet signed by the sculptor , the model (a limited edition of only 4 pieces ) consisting of 3 pieces , the torso , a head and another different base (Nice one Ulrich)

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Moving on now to the pieces itself , looking first at the head ......

When dry fitting the parts there was found to be no need to grab the filler from my model box ..so no problems in this area (for the purpose of the pictures a little amount of Blu tac was used)

As expected Ulrich has captured the look of this proud warrior in all aspects the nose ,the look from the eyes (painting of these will be no problems and provide a great focal point) , the overall feel of the head is spot on .

The hair (braided with beads in some strands) is carefully done as well to represent it blowing a little (working very closely with the references that he had available) .

Around his neck he wears a "choker" style neck band at the front is a avolonie shell intertwined within , (To bring out all this lovely detailing the use of washes is recommended) .

On the back of the head is a lovely feather (possibly eagle) , nicely sculpted , and again washes will bring the details out

Certainly the sculpting skills have come to the front with this piece and is all credit to Up Miniaturen and the casting .

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Next up we have the torso itself ....

Sculpted wearing a "war" shirt based again on the references that Ulrich insists on being so right and as accurate as possible, lovely beadwork is present , and well defined on the detailing at the lower neck/upper chest at the front. He has over his shoulder a blanket ,looking like it is being worn , all folds are natural and cleanly done in all area's. the fall of the actual shirt is again very good .

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On now to the fina piece the base :

This is a new style base , a round pedastal base , well defined , a little bit of work with the wet and dry is needed but nothing to break into a sweat about !!!!, at the base of the actual pedastal is decoration , no doubt inspired by the beads in the hair , all are nicely formed , I would suggest that a good option would be to paint each one as a coloured bead for the best effect , this will enhance the subject and link the base with the subject so often missing in some busts .

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After admiring the pieces lets put it all together and enjoy the model ...

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On now to my final thoughts and conclusion....

The Indian tribes are a popular subject , with many well known characters , none so more than "Curly" or Crazy Horse .

The subject produced gives the modeller the opportunity to paint various surfaces , including cloth , leather, shell and beadwork , and of course the Indian skin colouring (lots of references for mixes on PF ..if you can't find any pm me and I have some I can suggest)

Sculpting and presentation is as stated spot on and I welcome this subject as its so full of life and character , it will provide hours of modelling fun and make a nice addition to the display cabinet.

This is as I said a limited run at present of only 4 pieces so snap these up , I do hope that this is produced in a more numerous quantity so more can enjoy the skill and work that has gone into the subject.

I have pleasure in recommending this and indeed any from the website .

It was great to be able to review this bust and I look forward to doing others ...WELL DONE UP MINIATUREN .

Curly can be obtained for 35 euro's plus shipping

UP miniatures contact details : for the website www.puchala-figuren.de or by e mal up-miniaturen@t-online.de

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