Facsimile of an Omaha Robe 1861 - 1869

George Catlin made this facsimile of an Omaha Robe with ink and watercolor on paper. It's a copy of a painted bison robe that would originally have been made from a tanned hide. Painted robes were an important part of Indigenous culture. They recorded historical events, conveyed social status, and were used in ceremonies. In this example, the attention to detail indicates a deep understanding of the robe's original materiality. Catlin meticulously recreates the linear elements and faded palette of the original painted hide, alluding to the labor-intensive processes involved in tanning, painting, and decorating it. The presence of rifles suggests their adoption and integration into Indigenous life, economies, and social structures. In fact, this work brings up interesting questions about authenticity, value, and cultural exchange. Although Catlin was not Indigenous, and this isn't the ‘real thing,’ it still prompts us to consider the skilled traditions, alongside the labor, politics, and consumption involved in the creation of the original robe. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can get a richer understanding that challenges traditional ideas about art and craft.