Anthony Matzke

Anthony Matzke, a disabled U.S. Air Force veteran, is a self-taught artist of custom-made Native American-style Mandelas, using mostly traditional materials. His interest began in 2005, when he donated a Mandela in tribute to a Vietnam veteran at a powwow. While making that first Mandela he was delighted to discover that he has a creative talent for constructing this popular wall hanging art.

Elders from various tribal affiliations have since urged him to not waste the artistic gift he has been given by the Creator, and they encouraged him to teach others the time-honored craft. He strives to deserve the Elders respect with each Mandela he makes and with each lesson he gives.

He incorporates loom and other styles of beadwork to complement some of his pieces. A Choctaw friend, who is a retired nurse, suggested that he include beading to enhance his art and to strengthen fine motor skills in his left hand. It is his hope that everyone that owns one of his Mandelas will experience the calm joy of spirit that he experienced when he made the piece.

Anthony Matzke is:

Webmaster and board member for the Native American Center of South East Minnesota (NACSM) in Rochester, Minnesota. www.nacsm.org

Webmaster for the National Native American Veterans Association (NNAVA). www.nnava.org

Webmaster for the Thor Detachment of the Marine Corps League. The Marine Corps League is for Active Duty and Honorably Discharged Marines, and Fleet Marine Force Corpsmen. www.thormarinecorpsleague.org

Webmaster for Web of Life Enterprises, Inc. (WOLE), a Native American organization in partnership with the Native Indian Heritage Organization (NIHO) on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. www.wole.org

About the Mandela: The traditional symbols presented in Mandela art provide protection and prosperity. Initially designed as a protective shield during battle, the Mandela is usually decorated with symbols that honor spiritual and tribal values. Mandelas serve as decoration for one’s dwelling, and is believed to protect one’s home from negative spirits. Traditional Mandela’s are generally made from rawhide or leather, and are decorated with organic paints, beads, feathers, shells, and other natural fibers and materials.