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Show 56 In 1984 the Joslyn Art Museum published Karl Bodmer's America , in which Bodmer's portfolio, the major portion of which is contained in Maximilian's personal collection, was published in its entirety for the first time. Within the context of this book's examination of the watercolors, various elements reproduced in the aquatints were identified. 5. ed. Davis Thomas and Karin Ronnefeldt, People of the First Man (New York: Dutton, 1976), p. 196. There are many different spellings used for the Minnetaree (Hidatsa) Indians. Several variations can be found even within Travels. For consistency, Minnataree will be used for this discussion. Maximilian also briefly records in his journal that on April 8, 1834, the Minnetarees again danced the scalp dance, after a surprise attack on a Sioux encampment. Which of these separate events is the one recorded by Bodmer is unclear. Many of the details of the ceremony described by Maximilian in the February journal entry closely resemble the information found in Bodmer's portfolio. As the various states of Tableau 27 are examined, evidence that the event depicted was that of the February dance increases. 6. Hidatsa Scalp Dance , pencil on paper, 10" x 12-1/4", KBA #320. In this preliminary sketch a total of twenty-three figures are roughly penciled in; on the left side of the circle at least seven figures stand: three drummers, three Indians holding rattles, and one additional figure. Sixteen other figures complete the circle. Maximilian describes eighteen women and seven male musicians as participants of the dance. 7. Hidatsa Scalp Dance, watercolor and pencil on paper, 10" x 12-3/8", KBA #322. 8. Maximilian mentioned in his February journal entry that only one of the dancers wore a "large handsome feather cap." It is possible that this figure is the one described. 9. Hidatsa Figures, pencil and sepia wash on paper, 10" x 12-1/4", KBA #321. 10. Mandan and Hidatsa Figures, pencil on paper, 10" x 12-1/2", KBA #336. 11. The Newberry Library. Ayer collection, Scalp Dance of the Minataries. |