Buffalo Hunt, Chase

Indian on horseback hunting buffalo with bow and arrow (Plate 5). "In this picture we have the Indian mounted his wild horse, he is captured in the mode described above; and thus converting it to his use, as the means of procuring his subsistence. The wild horse is the swiftest animal on the American prairies; and the Indian on his well-trained horse's back, with his sinewy bow and lance, easily deals death to the quadrupeds country; having, from a lifetime of practice, rendered himself quite equal in the chase, to the most skillful of hunters, and in war, to the most efficient cavalry of lancers and bowmen in the world. The very great disparity in size between the horse and the buffalo, in this instance, which is much more than is usual, nevertheless correctly illustrates the actual difference that often occurs between and Indian poney of thirteen or fourteen hands, and a large bull, as is here represented, weighing, as they sometimes do, 1800 or 2000 pounds. In giving the arrow under these circumstances, the bow is pulled with great suddenness, and the arrow flies with terrible and almost incredible effect; generally striking the heart or the region of it, so that death is most commonly produced by one arrow; and if the first fail to enter deep enough, a second one is sent in an instant, and the huge animal, with a few leaps more, tumbles down and is dead in a few moments." |
Image ID: | 23623 |
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Creation Date: | 1844 |
Creator Name: | Catlin, George |
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Collection Name: | Rare Books |
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Original Format Type: | prints, fine-art |
Original Format Number: | E77 C399 1844 |
Original Dimensions: | 22 x 16 inches |
Image source: Catlin, George. Catlin's North American Indian Portfolio. Hunting Scenes and Amusements of the Rocky Mountains and Prairies of America. From Drawings and Notes of the Author, Made during Eight Years' Travel amongst Forty-Eight of the Wildest and Most Remote Tribes of Savages in North America. (London: Geo. Catlin, 1844). This image is also viewable in the American Journeys online edition of "Catlin's North American Indian Portfolio." |
Buffaloes |
Horses |
Painting |
Clothing and dress |
Landscape |
Men |
Horsemanship |
Hunting |
Weapons |
This image is issued by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Use of the image requires written permission from the staff of the Collections Division. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media. The image should not be significantly altered through conventional or electronic means. Images altered beyond standard cropping and resizing require further negotiation with a staff member. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. Please Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society. |
Location: | Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin |
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