Man's Shirt

ca. 1865
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Red Cloud, a revered Lakota chief, was photographed in this garment called a scalp shirt. The fringe of human hair symbolizes brave deeds and represents the people whose safety the warrior pledged to protect. Small patches of glass trade beads on the dark-blue painted panel allude to stars in the night sky. Many remember Chief Red Cloud for his bravery as a warrior and for his great abilities as a statesman.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Man's Shirt
  • Date: ca. 1865
  • Geography: United States, South Dakota
  • Culture: Oglala Lakota (Teton Sioux)
  • Medium: Native tanned leather, pigment, human hair, horsehair, glass beads, porcupine quills
  • Dimensions: Length: 58 in. (147.3 cm)
    Width: 42 1/2 in. (108 cm)
  • Classification: Hide-Costumes
  • Credit Line: Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody, Wyoming, Adolf Spohr Collection, Gift of Larry Sheerin (NA.202.598)
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing