Book of Drawings c. 1876

Bear’s Heart, a Cheyenne artist, created this book of drawings, using ink and graphite, during a period of immense cultural upheaval. This drawing presents a unique visual vocabulary that speaks to the complex intersection of cultures. On the one hand, we see traditional indigenous elements: the tipi, and the gathering of people in what appears to be ceremonial dress. On the other, the figures in the foreground wear military-style uniforms, and a horse-drawn carriage sits to the right, visual codes of white culture. These suggest encounter, negotiation, and perhaps even assimilation. Produced during a period of conflict and forced relocation for many Native American tribes, the image’s meaning is contingent on understanding the social and political context of its creation. Further research into the history of the Cheyenne tribe, the artist's biography, and the visual vocabulary of ledger art would enrich one's understanding. Art like this serves as a vital record, reflecting on the social structures of its time.