Ball-play of the Choctaw--Ball Up 1850

"Ball-play of the Choctaw--Ball Up" is a painting by George Catlin completed in 1850. Catlin is known for his depictions of Native American life, particularly in the American West. In the painting, a vast crowd of Choctaw people are depicted playing a game of stickball, a traditional Native American sport. The scene is set in an expansive outdoor landscape with a distant hill. The painting provides a glimpse into the cultural practices and social gatherings of Native American communities before they were forced to relocate westward. Catlin's paintings are significant for their ethnographic value, providing insights into Native American customs and beliefs during a time of great societal change.