Ball Playing among the Sioux Indians
1851 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This oil on canvas painting depicts a traditional game of lacrosse, or ball-play, being played by members of the Sioux tribe in a vast mountainous landscape. It was painted by Seth Eastman during his time stationed at Fort Snelling, where he documented Native American life.
Did you know?
Seth Eastman was a career U.S. Army officer as well as a prolific artist. His detailed observations of Native American life are considered invaluable historical documents, as he frequently captured aspects of culture and customs that were rapidly changing due to westward expansion. This specific work reflects his commitment to ethnological accuracy through his detailed depictions of traditional athletic rituals.
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Ball Playing among the Sioux Indians
Seth Eastman, 1851
