Bullboats and Figures

View Larger Image

Download

jpeg(65.89 kb)

For information on accessing a high resolution version of this image suitable for print reproduction please visit the Rights and Reproduction page.

Artist

Karl Bodmer

Birth and death dates

1809 - 1893

Artist Nationality

Swiss

Title

Bullboats and Figures

Date

Summer 1833

Dimensions

5 1/4 x 8 3/4 in. (13.33 x 22.22 cm)

Medium

Graphite on paper

Institution

Joslyn Art Museum

Credit Line

Gift of the Enron Art Foundation

Accession Number

1986.49.273.B

Rights (i.e. copyright information)

Joslyn Art Museum

Photographer credit

Photograph © Bruce M. White, 2019

Commentary

The semisedentary tribes of the upper Missouri used a form of water transportation called a bullboat. The framework of these circular vessels was made of willow. The hoops and crosspieces are visible in Image 1986.49.365. Over this was stretched raw buffalo hide which was then stitched to the rim and allowed to dry. Heavy, tough bull hides were used and the name "bullboat" derives from this material. The boats were durable, capable of carrying heavy loads of firewood or other necessities, and yet were light enough when dry to be easily transported on the back of a woman (see small sketch in this image). Although there is no clear identification of these four sketches, it is likely that they are Mandan scenes done in the summer of 1833 at Fort Clark.

Labels:

study , Fort Clark, North Dakota , vessels, bullboat

Approximate Depicted Location:

Fort Clark, North Dakota