Plains Indigenous Life and Buffalo Hunt, 1800s, Paper

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Plains Indigenous Life and Buffalo Hunt – Set of 19th Century Canadian Engravings This striking vertical trio of antique steel … Read more Plains Indigenous Life and Buffalo Hunt – Set of 19th Century Canadian Engravings This striking vertical trio of antique steel engravings offers a rare and detailed ethnographic glimpse into the daily life, warrior culture, and hunting practices of the Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains in 19th-century Canada. Engraved by Lemaitre around 1850 after drawings collected by Alexandre Vattemare, this set forms part of a larger French pictorial exploration of Indigenous North American life. The top engraving presents a quiet domestic scene of a Plains encampment. Two teepees are prominently depicted, with their conical hides patterned and structured with wooden poles. A woman kneels by a dog, working with tools, while another figure stands beside her. In the background, figures on horseback move through the camp. A structure made of sticks supports drying hides or ceremonial objects, emphasizing traditional lifeways. The composition conveys a moment of calm, rich with cultural detail—from animal-hide garments to the spatial arrangement of the camp. The middle engraving captures three Indigenous men engaged in a formal or ceremonial conversation. The figure on the left stands powerfully with a decorated spear, buffalo robe, and war shield, wearing an elaborate feathered hairstyle. The other two figures, draped in robes and holding rifles, appear to be in dialogue. The backdrop shows teepees and mounted warriors, indicating a community setting. This scene emphasizes leadership, diplomacy, and the interweaving of traditional and contemporary tools (e.g., spears and firearms) in Indigenous life. The bottom engraving brings dynamic motion to the set with a vivid buffalo hunt. Mounted hunters gallop across open terrain, bows drawn, chasing a stampede of bison. The powerful anatomy of the animals and the urgency of the chase are captured with impressive detail. This thrilling composition reflects the central role of the buffalo in Plains culture, both as a spiritual symbol and a vital resource. All three works are engraved in steel, which allows for exceptional detail—from the texture of the buffalo hides and horsehair to the intricacies of Indigenous dress and gear. Condition: Good clarity and preservation. Light, even toning throughout; minor foxing spots near margins. Slight binding marks at edges. No tears or repairs. Paper strong and well-preserved. Framing tips: These three vertically aligned prints would look exceptional when framed as a unified set in a tall frame. Use a warm walnut or dark oak wood with a single mount containing three openings, each with a cream or parchment-colored mat. A narrow rust or ochre-colored inner line could tie the earthy tones together and enhance the historic feel. Technique: Steel engraving Maker: Lemaitre after Vattemare, France, c. 1850 See less