Ball-play of the Choctaw – Ball Down

George Catlin, Ball-play of the Choctaw--Ball Down, 1834-1835, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.429
Copied George Catlin, Ball-play of the Choctaw--Ball Down, 1834-1835, oil on canvas, 19 5⁄8 x 27 5⁄8 in. (49.7 x 70.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.429
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Ball-play of the Choctaw – Ball Down
Artist
Date
1834-1835
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
19 5⁄8 x 27 5⁄8 in. (49.7 x 70.1 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Figure group — male
  • Indian — Choctaw
  • Recreation — sport and play — ball
Object Number
1985.66.429
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.429

Artwork Description

In Choctaw lacrosse, which George Catlin witnessed in 1834, each team was cheered on by friends, family, and fans who camped at the opposite ends of the field to watch the game and bet on its outcome. Catlin noted that women did much of the wagering, which involved “knives-dresses-blankets-pots and kettles-dogs and horses, and guns.”