To the Lakota warrior the horse was transportation, an ally on hunts and war parties and, if the owner were fortunate, a brave comrade in battle. Horses were often killed or wounded in the dusty confusion of inter-tribal combat. If this occurred, and if the horse had been brave during the fighting, its owner would honor it by creating a piece of art which reflected the warrior's remembrance of the steed. He would carry his Horse Dance Stick in warrior society dances to honor his fallen comrade before the other members of the tribe. The Horse Dance Stick is also a central object in the performance of the Sacred Horse Dance which is still practiced among the Santee Sioux today.

The Horse Dance Stick was a uniquely Sioux artistic form. Our stick is typical in the the owner traditionally would carve the horse's head and hoof on the stick, put his clan or society colors in beads around the ankle, use actual hair from the fallen horse as the mane and decorate the stick with brass tacks, brain-tanned hide, red and yellow earth paints and trade cloth. Tin cones and wild turkey feathers recreate the traditional bridle.

Approximately 28" long.

Made by Native and non-Native Americans.

This item cannot be shipped outside the USA.