Dacotahs Mode of Sitting 1849 - 1855

Seth Eastman, a West Point graduate and U.S. Army officer, made this watercolor drawing entitled "Dacotahs Mode of Sitting." Eastman's work offers a glimpse into how the U.S. military represented Native American life in the 19th century. The image depicts three Dakota people sitting outside what appears to be a dwelling. Consider the seemingly objective title, which emphasizes posture, and the inscription “U.S. Army Del,” meaning “delineavit” or “he drew it.” These details reveal the artist's position as an observer documenting the customs of a people he encountered. Eastman's work was part of a broader project of cataloging and classifying Native American cultures during a period of westward expansion and conflict. His art served institutional purposes, providing visual information to the government and public about the people whose land was being colonized. By researching military archives, ethnographic studies, and the history of U.S.-Dakota relations, we can gain a deeper understanding of this image. Art provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between cultures, power, and representation.