Arikara Medicine Ceremony - The Ducks
Artist
Edward S. Curtis
(American, 1868 - 1952)
Engraver
John Andrew & Son
(American (founded 1869))
Datecopyright 1908
Mediumphotogravure on paper
Dimensions22 1/4 × 18 3/4 inches (56.5 × 47.6 cm)
Other (Plate): 17 3/4 × 12 3/8 inches (45.1 × 31.4 cm)
Other (Plate): 17 3/4 × 12 3/8 inches (45.1 × 31.4 cm)
Credit LinePurchase of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, 2013
Object number2013.2.5.17
ClassificationsPhotographs
Label TextCurtis wrote about Arikara ceremonies. The medicine fraternity performed these spiritual dances. Curtis explained this picture. The three dancers were “painted to represent ducks.” They were “holding the rushes among which waterfowl nest.” They danced “around the sacred cedar.” Volume Five surveyed the Mandan, Arikara, and Atsina.
ProvenanceAcquired by subscription directly from the artist by the National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C.[1]; purchased December 6, 2012 through (Christies, New York, New York,[2]) by (Arader Galleries, New York, New York); purchased June 10, 2013 through (Arader Galleries, New York, New York) by the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art | [1] This set was stored in the National Geographic Society’s archive housed in the Society’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. | [2] "The National Geographic Collection: The Art of Exploration," December 6, 2012, Christie’s, New York, Rockefeller Plaza, sale 2603, lot 65
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