Dance Stick

Datec. 1880

MediumWood, red pigment, iron and brass tacks, red twill tradecloth, glass beads, Native tanned horse hide, horsehair, scalplock

DimensionsOverall: 38 × 4 1/4 in. (96.5 × 10.8 cm)

Object numberT0055

Credit LineGift of Eugene V. and Clare E. Thaw

Photograph by John Bigelow Taylor, NYC

Label TextOn the Plains, men used specially trained horses for many different difficult tasks. In order for the hunter to spear a buffalo, his horse had to come very close to the animal. During warfare, a horse had to be able to charge into a hail of bullets and overcome an enemy. A warrior’s life depended on his horse. When a special horse died, the owner paid respect to the animal with an effigy. During dances men carried horse dance sticks like this as memorials, to illustrate the important relationship between the warrior and his horse.
Exhibition History"Treasures from the Thaw Collection," Wheelwright Museum of American Indian Art. Santa Fe, NM, May 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000.
ProvenanceA midwestern museum; Christopher Selser, Santa Fe, New Mexico
BibliographyAdvertisement for Christopher Selser. American Indian Art Magazine Vol.18, no.2 (Spring 1993):100.

Vincent, Gilbert T. Masterpieces of American Indian Art. New York: Harry Abrams, 1995, p.33.

Vincent, Gilbert et al. Art of the North American Indians: The Thaw Collection. Cooperstown, New York: Fenimore Art Museum, 2000, p.150.

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. 153.

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