Dig It - 4/3/22

Now dig this!

Today we are going to look at ledger art, specifically Lakota ledger art from the Amidon Ledger, so-named after the town of Amidon, North Dakota, where it was found. The ledger dates to the 1880s and its principal artist is believed to be Jaw, C’ehu’up, also known as His Fight, Okaicize Tawa.⁠

Jaw was an accomplished warrior, and fought at the battle of Little Big Horn, amongst many others. The drawing captures the valor of Jaw charging headlong into battle. His face painted, he’s wearing a red trade blanket along with a double-trailer eagle feather bonnet and is carrying a carbine rifle. ⁠

His War Horse is stretched out in a flying gallop. The horse is also decorated for war - a scalp hangs from the bridle, and his tail is tied up with a strip of red stroud, another symbol of war. ⁠

This ledger drawing embodies all the action and bravery of the days of the Plains Indian Wars, when courageous Lakota warriors defended their People from the encroachment of the United States and other Plains tribes. This is truly a wonderful piece of art and history.⁠