Crow/ Apsáalooke artist, Saddle skirt, late 1800s. Rawhide and paint; 17" diameter rondels. Gift of James and Deborah Frank, 2016.324A-B

diameter: 17 in, 43.1800 cm

Native Arts

Indigenous Arts of North America

Abstract painting was highly developed among indigenous cultures around the world and dates back many millennia. Artists throughout Native America likewise were accomplished abstractionists as evidenced by the patterning on this saddle skirt. This is an extremely rare type of decorative horse gear with only six other examples known to be in existence today. 

Bullock Beard 1950-1987; acquired 1987 by David Cook; acquired 1996 by Jim Frank; gifted December 2016 to the Denver Art Museum through John Molloy (John Molloy Gallery) New York, NY