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"Medicine Pipe Stem Dance," Blackfoot

Paul Kane (1810 Mallow, Ireland–1871 Toronto, Canada)

 

Area of Origin: east of Fort Pitt, North Saskatchewan River, Saskatchewan, Canada

 

"As they were expecting to have a fight with the Crees next day, they got up a medicine dance in the afternoon, and I was solemnly invited to attend, that I might add my magical powers in increasing its efficacy. Amongst all the tribes here assembled, the sacredness of the medicine pipe-stem is held in very high estimation, and it was with much solemnity that I was placed in the best position, to work my incantations; that is to say, to make the sketch No. 18." (Paul Kane, "Wanderings of an Artist," 1859:425)

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Uploaded on May 1, 2013
Taken on January 7, 2010