Lot Essay
This beautifully drawn book of Indian images is part of a relatively small corpus of works made by the prisoners of Fort Marion in St. Augustine Florida between 1875-1877. These sketches were made in 1877 by Chief Killer, a Cheyenne, who was one of approximately 75 prisoners of various tribes, including Cheyenne, Arapaho and Kiowa, who were encouraged by their warden, Captin Richard H. Pratt, to make items such as bows and arrows, pottery, and drawings to sell to tourists. The drawings took various forms, such as images drawn onto fans, and groups of drawings done either in general ledger books or in sketch pads. The books were then sold to tourists for $2 each. This type of artistic production also included instruction in reading, writing and religion.
The drawings from this period are important documents recording life before imprisonment, the remarkable journey to Florida and life within the walls of Fort Marion. This book specifically details Chief Killer's life prior to Fort Marion with drawings documenting his hunting skills. Chief Killer also draws hunting scenes, horse capturing and ceremonial life of various other tribes including Arapaho, Pawnee, Kiowa, Osage and Sioux. The Indians are primarily wearing Indian clothing although there are certain exotic accents such as umbrellas, flags and top hats.
The drawings from this period are important documents recording life before imprisonment, the remarkable journey to Florida and life within the walls of Fort Marion. This book specifically details Chief Killer's life prior to Fort Marion with drawings documenting his hunting skills. Chief Killer also draws hunting scenes, horse capturing and ceremonial life of various other tribes including Arapaho, Pawnee, Kiowa, Osage and Sioux. The Indians are primarily wearing Indian clothing although there are certain exotic accents such as umbrellas, flags and top hats.