Three Villages Robe
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.The painting on this robe tells a story of a battle, a ceremony, and the alliance of the Quapaw and the French against the Chickasaw Nation. Across the bottom border, domed lodges represent the three major Quapaw villages on the Arkansas River. A thin line, presumably the path of the Quapaw war party, extends from the farthest village, through the other two, and toward a French settlement called the Arkansas Post. From there, the line continues to the battle represented on the opposite side of the robe, in which seven Quapaw warriors confront the enemy. Depicted above the villages is the ceremony following the battle.
This robe embodies the connection between French and Native peoples. It is unknown whether the garment was commissioned by the French or presented to them by the victorious Quapaw to commemorate the event.
This robe embodies the connection between French and Native peoples. It is unknown whether the garment was commissioned by the French or presented to them by the victorious Quapaw to commemorate the event.
Artwork Details
- Title: Three Villages Robe
- Date: ca. 1740
- Geography: United States, Arkansas
- Culture: Quapaw
- Medium: Native-tanned leather, pigment
- Dimensions: Length: 75 5/8 in. (192.1 cm)
Width: 8 ft. 8 3/8 in. (265.1 cm) - Classification: Leather
- Credit Line: Musée du quai Branly, Paris, made available by the EDF Foundation and Martine and Bruno Roger (71.1934.33.7 D)
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing