The Kiowa Drawings of Gotebo (1847-1927): A Self-Portrait of Cultural and Religious Transition
William C. Meadows, Kenny Harragarra
Plains Anthropologist May 1, 2007 DOI: 10.1179/pan.2007.016 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 3 |
| Key points | Argues that ten circa-1914 color drawings by Gotebo, a Kiowa, are self-portraits chronicling his life from about 1865 to the 1890s, including his warrior experiences, first two marriages, and participation in the Sun Dance, Peyotism, and Christianity. Contends that published Plains Indian ledger art has focused disproportionately on warfare and hunting, and that Gotebo's drawings expand the known range of Kiowa ledger art and illuminate lesser-known aspects of Kiowa life during the reservation period. |
Abstract
Ten color drawings made by Gotebo, a Kiowa, around 1914 chronicle several of the major cultural and religious experiences and transitions in his life from the pre-reservation period into the early twentieth century. Focusing on the period between circa 1865 to the 1890s, the drawings illustrate his experiences as a warrior, his first two marriages, and his religious participation in the Sun Dance, Peyotism, and Christianity. Because so much Plains Indian ledger art that has been published relates to warfare, hunting, and related pre-reservation aspects, these subjects are often taken to represent the full range of that art form. The majority of published Kiowa drawings have focused primarily on those by a few of the prisoners at Ft. Marion, Silverhorn, and the Kiowa Five. The drawings of individuals like Gotebo, a contemporary of the Kiowa who were sent to Fort Marion, are important because they provide a glimpse into other aspects of Kiowa life during the tumultuous changes experienced during the reservation period while expanding the range of known Kiowa drawings and ledger art. In contrast to the works of individuals portraying others, these are a set of self-portraits.