Object

80. Robe
  • Roan Eagle (Cheyenne)
  • 1870s
  • Hide, paint, quillwork, deer hoof, horse hair, wool, and tinklers
  • Funds from Anne Evans, 1931.28

This robe depicting warriors on horseback is a type of ceremonial dress. While most Plains tribes such as the Cheyenne conventionally used nonrepresentational geometric designs, in some cases, war clothing, galloping horses, and weapons were carefully illustrated. Early Cheyenne clothing was decorated with striped horizontal lines that were quilled or painted. The presence of such lines evolved from the practice of tallying one’s war victories.