Marriage Custom of the Indians 1849 - 1855

Seth Eastman made this watercolor, "Marriage Custom of the Indians," at an unknown date. He was a military officer and artist, and the image offers a glimpse into how Native American life was perceived in the 19th century. Consider the title itself, which frames a complex social ritual as a mere "custom." Eastman's position as a U.S. Army officer during a period of westward expansion and conflict with Native American tribes deeply influences the work. The painting depicts what Eastman likely observed—or was told about—regarding Indigenous marriage traditions. However, the very act of documenting and categorizing these traditions reflects the dominant culture’s attempts to understand, and perhaps control, Native populations. How might Eastman's military background shape his interpretation and representation of this event? The answer may lie in further research into the history of U.S.-Native American relations. The image, therefore, serves as a reminder of the complex social and institutional contexts that shape artistic production and reception.