Frank L. Babbott Fund

Frank L. Babbott Fund

Frank L. Babbott Fund

This complimentary pair of drawings depicts horses galloping across the background-facing opposite directions on each drawing, with four women with their backs to the viewer watching the horses. Each woman wears elaborate regalia and carries fans and pouches, the type of decorations used to decorate and honor horses. The details on each of their clothing depict warriors and horses in battle .To paraphrase the artist: The purpose of the drawings, "Horse Nation," is to honor 'tasunka wakan,' the horse, for its importance for the Lakota, Nakota and Dakota Oyate, the People. The horse allowed them to increase their mobility for travel and hunting, expand their territory, advance their 'akicita' (warrior societies that protect them), improve their economy, relieve their burdens and,as Linda indicates "most importantly gave women someone else to love." Linda Haukaas recreates 19th century style ledger art within a modern context with themes that particularly highlight women's roles in Plains society and with ceremonial and daily scenes that resonate today. She researches Museum collections and her own history to authenticate the historical references. Since in the past such representative drawings would have been done solely by the male artist she has broken new boundaries as a female ledger artist.

Museum Expedtion 1931, Museum Collection Fund

Frank L. Babbott Fund

Frank L. Babbott Fund

Museum Expedition 1904, Museum Collection Fund

Carved bone baton. Carved by Joe Bob Winstead according to Douglas Ewing. Miniature Siberian totem pole. Label on the base says: "Record Marker, 19th century, Eskimo, E. Alaska IPK." Three fish represented as split down the middle and flattened out are carved on a piece of bone. The eyes are drilled out: deep circular groves define the fishes; fins and tails. The bone is mottled grey in color. The surface is pitted and porous but shiny as though coated. There is a hole at the top for suspension.

Carved elongated fish form following the shape of an antler. Carefully crafted; smooth surface. Condition very good. Carved in antler is artists name, 'Bobby.' Artist is male.