Warrior Society Dance

Attributed to Artist A (Henderson Ledger) Native American
ca. 1880
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Originally joined along the bottom in a ledger book, these two drawings depict a warrior society dance. The men dance in a circle or a continuous line, accompanied by singing and the resounding beat of hoop-shaped rattles. The works also present an early attempt to create authentic portraits: the individualized facial features, clothing, and ornaments on each figure would have made him instantly recognizable to his comrades. Together these warriors fought, hunted, and celebrated their victories.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Warrior Society Dance
  • Artist: Attributed to Artist A (Henderson Ledger) (Native American, Arapaho, active ca. 1870–90) , also identified as Horseback
  • Date: ca. 1880
  • Geography: United States, Oklahoma
  • Culture: Arapaho
  • Medium: Paper, graphite, colored pencil
  • Dimensions: Length: 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm)
    Width: 12 3/8 in. (31.4 cm)
  • Classification: Paper-Drawings
  • Credit Line: Private Collection
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing