The Fire Dance

Copied Louis Potter, The Fire Dance, 1907, bronze, 3011 3411 34 in. (76.229.829.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. George R. Percy, 1917.3.1
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
The Fire Dance
Artist
Date
1907
Dimensions
3011 3411 34 in. (76.229.829.8 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. George R. Percy
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Keywords
  • Indian
  • Figure male — nude
  • Figure male — full length
  • Ceremony — Indian
  • Ceremony — dance — Fire Dance
Object Number
1917.3.1

Artwork Description

The Fire Dance is one of many works that grew out of Louis Potter’s experiences with the native cultures in Alaska. It is possible that the artist saw a fire dance ceremony, popular with many Native American nations at the time. The graceful lines of the arms and the legs and the exaggerated, forward motion of the dancer capture the intensity of this ritual, which the participants regarded as a joyful battle with nature’s elements.