American Indian School Of The Plains Region, Late 19th Century - Early 20th Century

AMERINDIAN Plains School, late 19th century - early 20th century (early Reservation period) 
The Indian and the White Man
Graphite and coloured pencil on paper 
22.5 x 34 cm (view)

This drawing depicts an animated scene with two characters: an Indian on horseback in cowboy clothing is galloping towards a white man wearing a uniform and a beard. 

This drawing reflects the traditional graphic style of the Plains Indians. You can recognise the fine outline in graphite, the profile of the figures, the pointed noses, the eyes and the coloured filling in with coloured pencil. 
The sheet of paper used is page 81 of what must have been an old account book. 

The Indian is wearing a brown leather uniform with buttons, a belt and a cowboy hat to which a feather has been added. The rider seems to have kept his long hair - a characteristic of the Plains Indians. The horse is bareback and also has a feather on its head. The European is on the ground, his arms raised, trampled by the horse. Could this represent a victory of the Indians over their conquerors? Could it be an illustration of a battle or a struggle between Indians and Europeans? 

Ref : 1220

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON