This is a painting showing a group of people dancing or engaging in a ritual near some tipis. The individuals are dressed in traditional clothing and headdresses, dancing energetically in a circle on a grassy field. In the background, tipis are lined up with geometric patterns, supported by long wooden poles. This painting depicts a scene from a Native American cultural event, emphasizing the detailed representation of clothing and communal interaction. The style is reminiscent of George Catlin, who documented scenes from the lives of Native American tribes during the 19th century.
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Slaves' Dance - Saukie

George Catlin (American, 1796 - 1872)

1861

Medium
oil on card mounted on paperboard
Classification
Painting
Dimensions
overall: 46.8 x 61 cm (18 7/16 x 24 in.)
Culture
American
Museum
National Gallery of Art, CAB
Credit line
Paul Mellon Collection
Rights
Public domain (NGA Open Access, CC0), as the museum states it.
Who can see it
Tweens profiles and older: its subjects are known and suit older children. How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art