Rainmaking among the Mandan

George Catlin, Rainmaking among the Mandan, 1837-1839, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.476
Copied George Catlin, Rainmaking among the Mandan, 1837-1839, oil on canvas, 19 1⁄2 x 27 in. (49.5 x 68.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.476
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Rainmaking among the Mandan
Artist
Date
1837-1839
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
19 1⁄2 x 27 in. (49.5 x 68.6 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Architecture Exterior — domestic — hut
  • Ceremony — Indian — Rain Ceremony
  • Indian — Mandan
  • Figure group
Object Number
1985.66.476
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.476

Artwork Description

George Catlin was fascinated by the Mandan medicine men “performing their mysteries” and particularly noted the young men who “volunteer to stand upon the lodge from sunrise until sundown, in turn, commanding it to rain. Each one has to hazard the disgrace which attaches (when he descends at sundown) to a fruitless attempt; and he who succeeds acquires a lasting reputation as a Mystery or Medicine man.” (Catlin, 1848 Catalogue, Catlin’s Indian Gallery, SAAM online exhibition)