Person

George and Clara Bryan

George and Clara in front of a tipi holding a large pipe
George and Clara Bryan in front of a buffalo-hide tipi he built while holding pipes

Quick Facts
Significance:
Both George and Clara were extremely active in preserving, practicing, and passing on the traditions and arts involved in quarrying and carving.

George Bryan
"Standing Eagle"
November 4, 1910 - November 9, 1985

Clara "Winona" Bryan
July 29, 1918 - February 21, 1996

Standing Eagle was a familiar figure at Pipestone National Monument to the many
visitors who came to the area. George was from the White Earth Reservation in Minnesota. An Ojibway pipemaker, he was long associated with the park. George was a seasonal laborer in the early 1950’s, then in 1970 he was hired as a seasonal cultural demonstrator, a job he continued to do until 1983. One of his projects at the park was the construction of a buffalo hide tipi, which was completed in 1960. In the late 1970’s he made another buffalo hide tipi along with an eagle headdress and staff, all which were on display for over 40 years at Pipestone National Monument.

Winona was a daughter of Moses and Estelle Crow. The family moved to Pipestone in 1927 from Granite Falls, Minnesota. Winona was married to George Bryan (“Standing Eagle”). They followed the family tradition of quarrying and carving, as they were taught by Winona’s father Moses. Winona carved many items from the pipestone but the turtle, which represents long life and fertility, was her favorite. The largest turtle made by Winona remains on display at the Monument.

George could often be found on the trail, carving pipes and interpreting his work and the history of the site to visitors. He was known for his skill in carving bison and disk pipes. Winona and George were members of the original Pipestone Indian Shrine Association and Winona was also a member of the Pipestone County Historical Society. In her younger years, she was well known as a champion dancer in many tribal pow-wows.
 
The Bryans first started quarrying in the early 1930’s. Their quarry is known as the Spotted Quarry, and remains in the Bryan family today. 
 

 

 
 

Pipestone National Monument

Last updated: December 17, 2018