Maffet Ledger: Drawing

Art Historical Context

Step into the vivid world of Plains Indian ledger art with this striking drawing from the *Met Ledger*, created by an unknown Southern and Northern Cheyenne artist around 1874–81.ed in graphite, watercolor, and crayon on paper (11 3/4 × 5 1/4 in.), it captures dynamic scenes of battles featuring men and horses—hallmarks of warrior narratives. These works, often made on repurposed accounting ledgers from traders, everyday paper into canvases for personal triumphs and historical events. Emerging during a turbulent era of conflict between Cheyenne peoples and U.S. forces, including the aftermath of the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, ledger drawings served as visual autobiographies. Cheyenne warriors documented coups, raids, and equestrian prowess, preserving oral traditions amid forced relocation to reservations. The mixed media technique yields bold outlines, vibrant colors, and flattened perspectives that emphasize motion and symbolism over realism. Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, this piece exemplifies the resilience of Cheyenne culture. Its compact format belies its power, offering a window into Indigenous perspectives on heroism and survival during profound change.