The Bear Dance

Indian dance, with some wearing bear masks (Plate 18). "Next in importance to the buffalo hunts, and not less exciting and spirited in its character, is the mode of hunting the Bear. Several varieties and this bold and ferocious species are found joint occupants with Man, the buffalo, and other animals, through the various wild latitudes of America; and, like the others, their skins and their flesh contribute largely to man's comfort and subsistence. The bear, so different in its habits and haunts from the buffalo, is entrapped and hunted by the Indians in a greater variety of modes than the buffalo, though their hunting excursions for this animal are often on horseback; and when in pursuit of the Grizzly Bear, the most formidable and dangerous animal of the brute creation to be met in the prairies and forests of America, the hunters deem it most prudent to be mounted on their horses' back, instead of trusting to their own legs in contention with so awkward and dangerous an enemy." |
Image ID: | 23636 |
---|---|
Creation Date: | 1844 |
Creator Name: | Catlin, George |
City: | |
County: | |
State: | |
Collection Name: | Rare Books |
Genre: | |
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." |
Rites and ceremonies |
Bears |
Painting |
Clothing and dress |
Indian dance |
Indians of North America |
Social life and customs |
Medals |
Body marking |
Men |
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 |
---|