ticketsMember | Make a donation

Horse Mask

ca. 1900
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
A horse laden with gifts likely paraded in this ornamental mask at Fourth of July celebrations. Adults and children—dressed in their finest regalia—led the animal, distributing gifts to their fellow tribe members. Beaded rows of American flags appear on the face and right side of the mask, along with crosses representing the four sacred directions. Events taking place on the Fourth of July became lavish affairs on Lakota reservations, replacing traditional rituals banned by the government.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Horse Mask
  • Date: ca. 1900
  • Geography: United States, North or South Dakota
  • Culture: Lakota (Teton Sioux)
  • Medium: Native-tanned leather, glass beads
  • Dimensions: Length: 28 1/2 in. (72.4 cm)
    Width: 35 in. (88.9 cm)
  • Classification: Beads-Costumes
  • Credit Line: Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown, New York, Thaw Collection (T0070)
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing