Untitled Painting of Buffalo Hunt by Carl Sweezy [SOLD]

Bison have historically been an integral part of life for the Plains Indians. Relying on them for everything from food, clothing, shelter (warmth), and more, the bison herds played a foundational role in the general economy for these tribes. So profound was the relationship between the tribal people of the Plains and the bison that they came to regard the bond as sacred. 

Tragically, in the mid-nineteenth century, the U.S. Federal Government began heavily encouraging the slaughter of bison across the plains. This was done for numerous reasons, particularly to lessen competition for cattle ranchers as well as to weaken the Indian population, forcing them to stay on reservations. This had a tremendously negative impact on the Plains Indians, greatly increasing childhood mortality and unemployment, as well as significantly lowering the general health of their people. While bison fortunately no longer face extinction status, they still do face some challenges, but to this day remain a vital part of life for Natives on the plains.

In this extraordinarily well-done, rustic painting, made using oil paints on board by influential Plains artist Carl Sweezy, the reality of bison hunting and their importance in everyday life is highlighted in full effect. Two tribal members are seen in action, mounted on horseback, pointing their arrows at two bison who are running alongside them. The pace of the scene is immediately obvious, and sweeping excitement is clear at first glance. 

Sweezy deviates from the early Native American flat style in this painting, and rather than focusing on figures with an empty background, he adds the picturesque rolling hills, the grasses, and the big sky and clouds behind the activity of the scene. The colors are especially expressive, adding an exceptional vibrancy to the work. 

Set in a simple brown wooden frame, the painting is signed in the lower right hand corner by Sweezy. As it is an older work (likely dating to around the 1920’s or 30’s), there is some weathering and patina, although one may feel this adds to the folksiness of the piece and suits it quite well. 

This major part of existence, the cycle of life and death, and the survival of children and families has been a way of life for these Plains people. One can look at this work and imagine all kinds of fascinating concepts -- the adversity of the Plains Indians, the relationship between man and animal, the death of the bison, or simply the inexplicable wonders of nature.    

Carl Sweezy (1879-1953) Wattan was a talented and influential Arapaho painter and ledger artist. Born in 1879 on old Cheyenne-Arapaho Reservation in Oklahoma, his father was Hinan Ba Seth (Big Man) and his mother, sadly, died when he was very young.  Sweezy attended Mennonite Mission Schools in Oklahoma and Kansas, as well as Chilocco and Carlisle Indian Schools. Also known as "Waatina", Sweezy's Indian name was Wattan, or “Black”. Plains ledger art, which was flourishing during his early life, informed Sweezy's style. Although he occasionally created ledger art himself and painted portraits, he is best known today for his excellent watercolor paintings. Sweezy’s long list of notable exhibitions includes the American Indian Exposition, Philbrook Arts Center, and the Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonials in Gallup. His works are featured in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution, Chicago Natural History Museum, Gilcrease Institute, Museum of the American Indian, and University of Oklahoma.  Sweezy passed away on May 28, 1953 in Lawton, Oklahoma.

Condition: Condition issues appear in the form of paint loss and abrasion, most notably in the signature and upper border. A small hole appears in the upper center, likely from the artist mounting the board while painting. A coat of varnish was applied at some point, adding a visible sheen. The condition issues are apparent, but as mentioned above, they do suit the look of the piece.

Provenance: this Untitled painting of Buffalo Hunt by Carl Sweezy is from a  private Canadian collection

References: American Indian Painters: A Biographical Directory, Jeanne Snodgrass

TAGS: Cheyenne-Arapaho, Native American Paintings, Carl Sweezy