Lance Stealing Five Horses

Datec. 1870

DimensionsOverall: 6 × 8 3/4 in. (15.2 × 22.2 cm)

Object numberT0374

Credit LineGift of Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw

Photograph by John Bigelow Taylor, NYC

Label Text These drawings record two separate occasions when Red Lance, Tsitsistas/Suhtai (Cheyenne) warrior, successfully raided horses from enemy encampments. Horses represented stature and wealth, and stealing horses was considered a bold deed that counted as a war honor, or coup. This drawing depicts an occasion when Red Lance triumphantly steals five horses and rides off with them in his custody. These new horses will be added to his stock, enabling him to “lease” them to young men who want to begin their careers as warriors. Red Lance holds a bow lance decorated with two fans of eagle feathers and blue streamers. This type of bow lance communicates his status as an officer of the Tsitsistas/Suhtai (Cheyenne) Fox military society, a fraternal order of the bravest men.

Exhibition History"American Treasures from the Fenimore Art Museum," Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL, February 20, 2004 - April 11, 2004.
ProvenanceMalcolm Grimmer, Santa Fe, New Mexico
BibliographyMorning Star Gallery/Parco, ca. 1992, n.p.

Vincent, Gilbert et al. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2000, p.161.

Fognell, Eva and Alexander Brier Marr, eds. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection at the Fenimore Art Museum, 2nd ed. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2016, p. 144.

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