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Bodmer - Catlin Series
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Pitatapiu, Bowlance Warrior
41” H x 17” W x 12” D
Bronze, edition of 35
Explorer Artists; Bodmer/Catlin Series
Pitatapiu, Bowlance Warrior
Pitatapiu was an Assiniboin and the tribe was once a part of the Sioux Nation. Pitatapiu was painted by Karl Bodmer at Fort Union in 1833.
This piece is a little unusual for the series because, unlike the others, Pitatapiu was dressed in his warrior clothing instead of his finery for this portrait. He is also holding a bowlance, a powerful and special ceremonial accoutrement which signifies that he belongs to an elite society.
It is possible that the original painting may be the only example of an Indian holding a bowlance. It was noted that the bowlance was decorated with bear entrails.
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