1 Drawings (visual works) (graphite, ink, colored pencil on ruled paper, 9.75 x 7.5 inches)
Container:
Box 39C, Folder 1
Type:
Archival materials
Graphic Materials
Drawings (visual works)
Scope and Contents:
Inscription reads "Zotom." Drawing is executed on page 122 of a ledger book. This drawing appears to be related to the two subsequent drawings, which according to the inscription depicts an attack on a Mexican wagon train.
Local Numbers:
NAA MS 39C 001
NAA INV 08547601
OPPS NEG 91-2000
OPPS NEG 92-11268
Publication Note:
Reproduced in:
Greene, Candace S. Silver Horn Master Illustrator of the Kiowas. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2001. (plate 2).
Collection Restrictions:
The collection is open for research.
Access to the collection requires an appointment.
Collection Rights:
Contact the repository for terms of use.
Collection Citation:
MS 39-c Kiowa drawings by Koba, Etahdleuh, and others, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution
Group identified as follows: Front row, left to right: Little Chief, Shave Head, Nick, Buzzard, Koba, Tounkeuh, Ohettoint. Second row, left to right: Captain Pratt, Tsadeltah, Matches, Buffalo Scout, Tsaitkopeta, Soaring Eagle, White Bear. Third row, left to right: Bear's Heart, Zonekeuh, Roman Nose, Squint Eyes, White Man. Last row, left to right: Cohoe, Making Medicine, Zotom. Absent - Etahdeluh. [All but Matches and Buffalo Scout were artists]. Photograph identifications from Karen Daniels Petersen, Plains Indian Art From Fort Marion, University of Oklahoma Press, 1971 (1974 pjr)
The collection consists of sixteen (16) drawings in a commercial exercise book. The book had been sewn into a second cover prior to its acquisition by the Smithsonian. This second cover was removed and the book was rebound. The second cover has been retained.
The drawings depict hunting, courtship, dance, social gatherings, Indian scouts, mounted and dismounted warriors, and part of the Kiowa Sun Dance. The inside of the front cover is inscribed:
"Capt Pratt U.S.A."
"Work by Indians"
"By the Indians incarcerated in Fort Marion St. Augustine Florida in 1876" "Engaged in the Custer Massacre"
"Care of Capt Pratt in charge assisted by the following ladies-- Mrs Linethurst, Mrs Gibbs - Mrs S'- Mother St Augustine, Mrs Kingsly Gibbs - aunt, Mrs Valentine - Phila, Miss Reed"
"Carlisle was the outcome of Capt Pratt's efforts assisted by Mrs Kingsly Gibbs of St Augustine"
The back cover is inscribed:
"Works of the Indians while in prison in Fort Marion St Augustine Florida-- After the Custer Massacre in care of Capt Pratt-- The founder of Carlisle-- These Indians finally taken there for housing and taming--by the Government-- under the care of Capt Pratt USA"
In addition to the inscription, the back cover bears the image of a man wearing a breechcloth, which was scratched into its surface. The name "ZOTOM" appears in stencil block letters on the back cover and the inside of the front cover. Although Zotom was a noted Kiowa artist, it is not clear that he is responsible for the drawings. Candace Greene notes that they are unlike his later work and early documented examples of his drawing style have not been identified.
Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or National Anthropological Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.
Historical Note:
Fort Marion, also known as Castillo de San Marco, is a stone fortress in St. Augustine, Florida. Between 1875 and 1878, seventy-two prisoners from the southern plains were incarcerated in the fort. Captain Richard Pratt supervised the prisoners during their incarceration at Fort Marion. The prisoners consisted of 27 Kiowas, 33 Cheyennes, 9 Comanches, 2 Arapahos, and a single Caddo. With the exception of one Cheyenne woman, all the prisoners were men. They had been accused of participating in the recent Red River War, earlier hostilities, or both. With the exception of the wife and daughter of one of the Comanche men, the prisoners families were not allowed to accompany them to Fort Marion.
Local Numbers:
MS 98-54 000
Restrictions:
The collection is open for research.
Access to the collection requires an appointment.
Rights:
Contact the repository for terms of use.
Genre/Form:
Works of art
Ledger drawings
Citation:
MS 1998-54 Exercise book containing drawings by an anonymous Kiowa artist, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution
Warrior artists : historic Cheyenne and Kiowa Indian ledger art drawn by Making Medicine and Zotom / by Herman Viola ; with commentary by Joseph D. and George P. Horse Capture