Woodland Warrior

Years ago, Z.S. Liang found himself at the Plimoth Plantation and Wampanoag Homesite in Plymouth, MA. The Wampanoag men and women Liang befriended educated him in the history and ways of their people, an experience he would later describe as “invaluable. I feel so fortunate to be invited to particpate in the community. It was the best introduction to Native Americans I could have.”

In addition to teaching Liang about the customs of their people, the men and women at the Wampanoag Homesite were happy to model for him in their traditional dress as they went about their daily business.

The young warrior in this painting, with his turtle-shell medicine bag and wooden war cup, is defending his home against intruders. To this day, the Wampanoag people must defend themselves and their property from further encroachment, both in court and at home. “I paint these people to raise awareness about their bravery and their troubles. I hope that my art can somehow repay them for the kindnesses they did for me.”