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

Overview

Exhibition History

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