The Snow-Shoe Dance, plate 14 from the "North American Indian Portfolio"

ExpandFavoriteView PDF

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

Publisher James Ackerman (American)

Date1845

MediumColor lithograph on paper

DimensionsComposition: 13 1/2 × 18 1/2 in. (34.3 × 47 cm) Sheet: 15 9/16 × 22 1/8 in. (39.5 × 56.2 cm)

Credit LineBequest of Samuel Hopkins Adams, Class of 1891

Object number1959.117

Not on view

DescriptionIn the northern latitudes of America, where the winters are long and very severe, from the heavy falls of snow which accumulate for three or four months of the year, the Indians have very ingeniously constructed a large but light frame, with a fine webbing made of small thongs of raw hide, which is worn under the foot, buoying them up, and enabling them to run upon the surface of the snow without sinking into it. This ingenious contrivance enables them to move about in the dead of winter, gaining food for their families, which would otherwise be exceedingly difficult for them to do. These dresses for the feet they call Snow Shoes; and as they enable them to overtake the heavy animals and slay them with great case, their hunting facilities are materially increased by an accumulation of snow; and at its first appearance they must needs celebrate the joyous event by a dance, accompanied with a song of thanks to the Great Spirit, "who has sent it for their benefit and amusement." This picturesque scene is called by them the "Snow-Shoe Dance," as it is danced with the snow-shoes on their feet, around an ornamented pair of the same, which are elevated, with the appropriate flags and spears of the band.

Collections

American Art

Additional Details

Alternate Titles North American Indian Portfolio

Provenance 1959: Hamilton College, by bequest of Samuel Hopkins Adams

Inscribed "Catlin. del:" at lower left in typeset; "No. 14./ THE SNOW-SHOE DANCE./ Published at James Ackerman's Lithographic Rooms, 304 Broadway, N.Y." at lower center in typeset; "HC 113" on verso at lower left in pencil.