Gyptian
This cougar’s pose reminded me of so many statues and other works of art from ancient egypt depicting the sphinx.
American mountain lion, aka cougar aka puma.
If you would like to see the version from the NEW SIGNATURE SERIES that utilizes the painterly effects of photoshop combined with the emotive scenes of the natural world to create a visual feast for all discriminating art lovers go HERE. Because of the signature this line will not be available as cards, I apologize about this but I have the same shots available for purchase as cards but without a signature. They can be located by browsing my portfolio. This line will continue my broad efforts to promote awareness and raise funds for endangered species globally. One half of all net proceeds (50%) are going to The Cougar Fund
Those who may prefer a more traditional photograph can view the original image by going HERE
“Puma concolor:
The Latin name for the cat of many names
Cougar. Catamount. Painter. Panther. Ghost cat. Puma. Mountain lion.
In speaking of the many names of cougar, one folktale tells the story of Native Americans who would bring pelts to trade in what is now New York City. When the Europeans and white settlers would question why all only skins of females (given the lack of manes) were brought for trade, the Native Americans explained that the males lived far away in the mountains, playing a joke of sorts on the naïve newcomers—this is why cougars, who are not specific to mountain regions at all, came to be known as “mountain lions”.
The etymological history of the word cougar comes from French naturalist-explorer Count Georges-Louis Leclerc Buffon, who called Puma concolor “cuougar”. This usage was derived from the Brazilian Portugese word cuguacuarana, which in turn came from the Tupi Indian word susuarana, which means “false deer”. We find that this word aptly captures the international allure and cross-cultural nature of the species, while distinguishing our organization from a popular brand of athletic shoes—Puma.
Erie as in Erie Canal, Erie Street and Erie Boulevard were named after Lake Erie which in turn was named after the Indian people who lived along the lake’s southern shore, an area where cougars were abundant. The cougars there were called Erielhonan, meaning “long tail” and the Native Americans living there were called Erie or Cat Nation. In 1600, some 14,000 Eries lived in villages between what is now Buffalo, NY and Sandusky, Ohio. In 1656, the Erie were almost exterminated by the Iroquois League. The surviving captives were either adopted or enslaved.
Symbolism, Lore and Native American Experience with Cougar
“Ghostwalker”
The spirit of the Cougar chose to take the earth and walk as a spiritual hunter, to teach unconditional leadership, patience and determination.
“The strengths they represent have a powerful lesson for those that are willing to learn from them” -Nancy Wood Taber, artist
According to animal totem lore, cougar is the energy of leadership. If we listen to Cougar we learn to become the leader that people follow by choice, not by force. Cougar has the wisdom to lead through love, not through fear. Cougar is a take-charge totem or energy. Cougar people are such natural leaders that others tend to take their leadership for granted. If no one else is leading, cougar will naturally take over. Cougar is graceful and balances intention, strength and responsibility. Others are always safe when cougar is in charge.
The cougar is very elusive and is rarely encountered in the wild. Because of this quality, cougar can appear without being noticed and quietly take control of a situation. Sometimes this can lead to conflict with others over territory. It is often noted as an animal that is independent, shy and withdrawn. The same characteristics are often found in people with this medicine.
Cougar is associated with leadership and teaches decisiveness in the use of personal power. When it attacks it does not hesitate. When threatened it goes for the most vulnerable place. Cougar is not often allowed to show vulnerability.
True leadership through gentle assertiveness is what cougar teaches those with this totem. Cougar people are often very sure of themselves, not taking any unnecessary steps or exerting any extra energy beyond what is required of them to achieve their goal. Most cougars learn by trial and error, which strengthens them and hones their skills. In life, cougar people may find that others will not like these assertions. Cougar people mustn’t allow others to keep them stationary—cougar people stretch their muscles and show their capabilities. Those with the cougar medicine are often attacked by others, especially by those who have grown comfortable with the status quo and do not wish to see those who have this totem grow. Even still, they may never admit when a cougar person does grow.
A cougar will leap at opportunities. Those with cougar medicine take control of their life and circumstances most effectively.”
~Excerpt from The Cougar Fund
The Eastern cougar, native to states in North America East of the MIssissippi River, is gone from over 99% of it’s range and is listed as an endangered species of critical status.
Gyptian belongs to the following groups:
Art for Conservation and Exotic MammalsAvailable for sale as Matted Prints, Mounted Prints and Framed Prints
GrayeaglePhoto..., 5 months ago
A wonderful shot.
collectiveone, 5 months ago
Nicely done! Love the dazed stare. Definately a good shot of contentment. Gray tones as a backdrop really make the eyes stand out. Primo shot Mundy!
kaylarenee, 5 months ago
wow thats awesome, the tones are amazing!
Gayle Shaw, 5 months ago
Beautiful and yes, I see what you mean about the sphinx, very much like it.
Deborah Fuller, 5 months ago
Beautiful shot.
Tiffany Dryburgh, 5 months ago
Such an elegant pose, I can see what you mean. Beautiful treatment too!
Chelsea Kerwath, 5 months ago
Amazing profile! I love her eye color!
pijinlane, 5 months ago
Those Eyes are …. bewitching!
greenfrog153, 5 months ago
Stunning !!!!
Walter Colvin, 5 months ago
Really nice photo.
David Harris, 5 months ago
Mundy,
This is a fantastic shot! Such a beautiful creature. You have done this justice my friend!
NATURELENS, 5 months ago
Great capture. Love the jewel amber eye and nose.
MzSardonicus, 5 months ago
Beautiful. So regal.
louise, 5 months ago
Beautiful in its subtlety…
Alan Rodmell, 5 months ago
I wish I could get shots like this. Guess I’m living in the wrong country.
Awesome shot. Perfectly chosen title too.
Pat Abbott, 5 months ago
Really beautiful profile, her eyes shine.
Jocelyn Hyers, 5 months ago
Gorgeous shot! So regal looking …
mlgkats, 5 months ago
wonderful photo and great eye color
Anne Vis, 5 months ago
Great shot, Mundy!
Heather Rivet..., 5 months ago
fantastic
Jacky, 5 months ago
Beautiful profile:)
HELUA, 5 months ago
Love your CATS !!!
Sean Farragher, 5 months ago
noble nose
ECGardner, 5 months ago
It does have sort of a sphinx-like feel to it. I like what you’ve done with the colors. It somehow makes it looks more sphinxish (I just made up a word!). Great capture. :)
Al Bourassa, 5 months ago
Gorgeous work.
clau, 5 months ago
Beautiful shot, Mundy!!!
Dan Cahill, 5 months ago
excellent work
Christopher E..., 5 months ago
very nice angle , it’s definitely into watching something, great exposure and focus on this
Anni Morris, 5 months ago
Just love that noble profile.
John Segon-Fis..., 5 months ago
Mundy, for me, one of your best!
Jan Cartwright, 5 months ago
Perfection – she’s resting her chin on her side, isn’t she? Does look a bit like an Egyptian statue.
StacyLee, 5 months ago
The composition of this is superb, Mundy!!
Barbara Sparhawk, 5 months ago
So powerful, yes ancient too. The cat has a great tranquility here but you can SEE the energy and how brilliantly alert he is. It is a perfectly wonderful photograph.
Mundy Hackett, 5 months ago
Thank you everyone, they are so beautiful without even trying!
Geoffrey, 5 months ago
Great shot, love the framing, nicely done
loramae, 5 months ago
Makes you feel as though you are imposing on some very deep thoughts…almost to see and know you should creep away without disturbing…powerful shot!
karen milder, 5 months ago
beauitful
TULIP73, 4 months ago
10/10 great angle and mood is unreal!
Anthony Comella, 2 months ago
Truely Beautiful!!
Carmen Mandel-..., 2 months ago
From Florida, USA, to southernmost Argentina (my homeland), el Puma is endangered. In Argentina, there is programme of monetary compensation, not elimination, by the World Wildlife Foundation working along with ranchers. This brings a spark of hope in my land.
Thank you, Mundy, for adding to Art for Conservation this pretty face and the emotive narrative along awareness to the fate of this precious creature. Your supported Cougar charity is fantastic, thank you for sharing it with us.
Mundy Hackett, 2 months ago
Thank you as always Carmen for creating such a necessary group!
Carmen Mandel-..., 2 months ago
It is an honour to host your artwork and campaigns, Mundy.
Michael J Armijo, 2 months ago
CLASSIC!
mandreasen, 2 months ago
beautiful
Don Quackenbush, 21 days ago
great, i love cougars
Mariaan Krog, 14 days ago
Brilliant pose, love this profile! Very much an Ancient Egyptian view!