Artist/Maker George Catlin (American, 1796 – 1872)

Begging Horses (Saukie)

1866-1868

Graphite and black ink on prepared card

Overall: 18 3/8 x 24 1/8 in. ( 46.7 x 61.3 cm )

Purchase

1872.23.191

DescriptionA ritual of exchange between Fox and Saukie tribes; Saukie warriors in need of horses sit in a circle outside a Fox village to 'smoke', or beg for horses. Fox men ride around the circle, each choosing a recipient for his horse and whipping his shoulders till blood is drawn. The bridle is then presented to the Saukie with the ritual phrase Catlin translated as "Friend, you are a begger, and I give you the best horse in the Fox Nation, but you will carry my mark upon your shoulders".

Markingsinscriptions: Signed

InscribedSigned at lower right inside image in black ink: "Geo. Catlin"; inscribed at upper center outside image in black ink over graphite: "Pl. 191. / Begging horses. (Saukie)"

ClassificationsDRAWINGS