Native American Ledger Art and the Battle of the Little Bighorn
The majority of what we most commonly perceive of as classic “ledger art” was produced during the second half of the nineteenth century, a time of great upheaval for Plains peoples. The tradition of portraying narrative scenes of heroic deeds continued to evolve as Indian artists transitioned from traditional Plains life to reservation living and embraced the use of paper, pens, pencils, inks, and watercolors. Scholars have discovered that ledger art is a valuable primary source that adds a new perspective on important events as well as daily life and personal family histories. For us, ledger art provides a unique lens on the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Below is a video analyzing some ledger art of the battle by Henry Oscar One Bull. |