Arapaho Drawing from the Edwards Ledger Book

third quarter 19th century

plate #98, depicts a brightly clad warrior, designated as Broken Back or Black Crow Sitting Down, counting coup on a Mexican civilian; Broken Back proudly wears a brightly colored saltillo serape wrapped around his waist; over his military jacket he wears German silver armbands and a large gorget with naja

An attempt was made to determine the artists of this ledger book. Making the decision on the basis of the number of drawings showing a particular warrior identified by his name glyph was not possible. Robert Nespor of the Archives of the Oklahoma State Historical Society found the following men listed in the census of known Arapahos living in 1878:.... 6. Broken Back (Broken Man or Black Crow Sitting Down?)... Using the name glyphs and 1878 census, the warriors depicted in the ledger book have been identified by the name that seemed most appropriate. (Schorsch 1990: p. ciii)

Published:
Schorsch, David. The Edwards Ledger Drawings: Folk Art by Arapaho Warriors. (1990, plate 78)

Property of a Private Collector, Chicago, Illinois

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Collected by Peter W. Edwards during his exploits during the Colorado gold rush of the 1860s. Descended in the family before being sold during the late 20th century.

For more information see: The Edwards Ledger Drawings: Folk Art by Arapaho Warriors (Schorsch 1990: pg. xi)