The Snow-Shoe Dance | Print | Wisconsin Historical Society

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The Snow-Shoe Dance

The Snow-Shoe Dance | Print | Wisconsin Historical Society
Indian dance on snowshoes. (Plate 14).<p>"In the northern latitudes of America, where the winters are long and very severe, from the heavy falls of snow which accumulate for three or four months of the year, the Indians have very ingeniously constructed a large but light frame, with a fine webbing made of small thongs of raw hide, which is worn under the foot, buoying them up, and enabling them to run upon the surface of the snow without sinking into it. This ingenious contrivance enables them to move about in the dead of winter, gaining food for their families, which would otherwise be exceedingly difficult for them to do. These dresses for the feet they call show shoes, and as they enable them to overtake the heavy animals and shy them with great ease, their hunting facilities are materially increased by an accumulation of snow; and at its first appearance they must need celebrate the joyous event by a dance, accompanied with a song of thanks to the Great Spirit."</p>
DESCRIPTION
Indian dance on snowshoes. (Plate 14).

"In the northern latitudes of America, where the winters are long and very severe, from the heavy falls of snow which accumulate for three or four months of the year, the Indians have very ingeniously constructed a large but light frame, with a fine webbing made of small thongs of raw hide, which is worn under the foot, buoying them up, and enabling them to run upon the surface of the snow without sinking into it. This ingenious contrivance enables them to move about in the dead of winter, gaining food for their families, which would otherwise be exceedingly difficult for them to do. These dresses for the feet they call show shoes, and as they enable them to overtake the heavy animals and shy them with great ease, their hunting facilities are materially increased by an accumulation of snow; and at its first appearance they must need celebrate the joyous event by a dance, accompanied with a song of thanks to the Great Spirit."

RECORD DETAILS
Image ID:23632
Creation Date: 1844
Creator Name:Catlin, George
City:
County:
State:
Collection Name:Rare Books
Genre:Print
Original Format Type:prints, fine-art
Original Format Number:E77 C399 1844
Original Dimensions:22 x 16 inches
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Image source: Catlin, George. Catlin's North American Indian Portfolio. Hunting Scenes and Amusements of the Rocky Mountains and Prairies of America. From Drawings and Notes of the Author, Made during Eight Years' Travel amongst Forty-Eight of the Wildest and Most Remote Tribes of Savages in North America. (London: Geo. Catlin, 1844). This image is also viewable in the American Journeys online edition of "Catlin's North American Indian Portfolio."
SUBJECTS
Indian dance
Indians of North America
Social life and customs
Men
Rites and ceremonies
Weapons
Snow
Painting
Clothing and dress

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Reference Details
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