National Anthropological Archives

Guide MS 1303 Ledger book of drawings, probably Lakota and Cheyenne, 1866

Summary

Collection ID:
NAA.MS1303
Creators:
Roman Nose, (Lakota chief)
White, Charles C.
Strong, Samuel E.
Dates:
1866
Languages:
English
.
Physical Description:
1 Volume
disbound and laminated; 83 drawings and 3 pages of notes
graphite, colored pencil, and ink
12.5 x 9.5 inches
Repository:

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
The collection consists of a ledger book of drawings, now laminated and disbound, with scenes of warfare, horse raiding, and courting. The book contains drawings by multiple artists, probably both Lakota and Cheyenne, based on the events and war medicine depicted, especially shield designs. Inscriptions in the volume give the history of acquisition and identify activities in each scene. However, the identifications are often in error regarding the nature of the scene and the tribal identity of the enemies. An inscription on the final page, NAA INV 11013402, indicates that all explanations were provided by Charles C. White, also known as Fast Horse, former Dakota interpreter at Pine Ridge Agency.
Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or National Anthropological Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.

Administration

Custodial History
An inscription in the volume, by Samuel E. Strong, M. D., Desloge, St Francis County, Missouri, September 5, 1900, states that the drawings are the work of "Roman Nose, half brother of Red Cloud," and that after Roman Nose's capture in 1866 [?] he gave the book to Augustus Griffith of St Genevieve County, Missouri, who in turn gave it to Strong. Captions under the drawings were made from the explanations of Charles C. White, or Fast Horse, Dakota interpreter at Pine Ridge but then (December 21, 1889) employed with the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Co., Ironton, Iron County, Missouri. An additional inscription indicates that the book was purchased by the Bureau of American Ethnology from Strong in November 1900. Related correspondence is in the Bureau of American Ethnology records.

Digital Content

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Using the Collection

Conditions Governing Use
Contact the repository for terms of use.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
Access to the collection requires an appointment.
Preferred Citation
MS 1303 Ledger book of drawings, probably Lakota and Cheyenne, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution

More Information

Local Numbers

Local Numbers
NAA MS 1303


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Works of art Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Ledger drawings Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Drawings Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Lakota (Teton/Western Sioux) Cultural Context Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Tsitsistas/Suhtai (Cheyenne) Cultural Context Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Niitsitapii (Blackfoot/Blackfeet) Cultural Context Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Apsáalooke (Crow/Absaroke) Cultural Context Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
North America Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

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