In this dramatic portrayal, a Wampanoag hunter faces the angry charge of a black bear with only his bow for protection. If he is to survive uninjured, his best chance is to make the first arrow a fatal shot!

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Notice how the painting is built upon the strong dark shadow shape to the right of the figure. His bow defines the compositional movement down to the right leg. The design movement continues with the subtle directionals of the rock seams behind the figure, leading to the man's arrow quiver and head, thus encircling the figure and completing the strong and effective oval design.