Scalp Dance of the Minatarres

BODMER, Karl (1809-1893).
Scalp Dance of the Minatarres, Tab., 27 (State 4).
Aquatint engraving with original hand color.
From: "Travels in the Interior of North America".
Paris, London, & Coblenz, 1839-1843.
15 1/4" x 22 1/2" sheet, 25 3/8" x 30 1/8" framed.
No Blindstamp.

This important record of the Hidatsa's victory dance was captured by Bodmer during the winter of 1833-1834 when the group stayed at Fort Clark. The Hidatsa's came to the fort twice to perform this scalp dance, the first time on 11 February 1834 after a retaliatory raid against the Assiniboins, the second on 8 April 1834 after a surprise attack on a Sioux camp. The figure shown center right is Máhchsi-Níhka (`Young War Eagle'), a deaf-mute who had played a prominent part in the raid against the Assiniboins. To the far left is Síh-Sä (`Red Feather'), a Mandan man who had been raised by the factor of Fort Clark. With painted faces, military attire and displaying scalp trophies, the women play an important role in the dance. The drums and rattles provide the musical accompaniment for this energetic scene.