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ProvenanceWilliam H. Jemsen, Minnesota; George Shaw, Aspen, Colorado
BibliographyVincent, Gilbert et al. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2000, p.143.
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.
Culture
Eastern Sioux (Dakota)
Flute
Datec. 1875
MediumWood, brass upholstery tacks, string, cotton binding, black silk tape, black and yellow pigment
DimensionsOverall: 3 1/2 × 2 5/8 × 26 1/2 in. (8.9 × 6.7 × 67.3 cm)
Object numberT0706
Credit LineLoan from the Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw Charitable Trust
Label TextHistorically, flutes were used exclusively for courting. One end of this flute is carved into a black painted bird’s head, possibly a Common Loon or a Sandhill Crane. Both of these birds have a pleasing sound and mate for life. The artist carved the flute-stop in the shape of an abstract horse. Because the horse was regarded as a form of wealth throughout the Plains, here it implies that the player has many horses and the ability to support the woman and their future family.ProvenanceWilliam H. Jemsen, Minnesota; George Shaw, Aspen, Colorado
BibliographyVincent, Gilbert et al. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2000, p.143.
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.
On View
On viewc. 1922-1954
