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Medicine Man's Club Representing Buffalo Embryo

Arts of the Americas

CULTURE Sioux
MEDIUM Stone
  • Place Made: United States
  • DATES 18th–19th century
    DIMENSIONS 7 3/4 x 2 1/4 x 2 5/8 in. (19.7 x 5.7 x 6.7 cm)  (show scale)
    COLLECTIONS Arts of the Americas
    ACCESSION NUMBER 43.201.165
    CREDIT LINE Anonymous gift in memory of Dr. Harlow Brooks
    PROVENANCE Prior to 1936, provenance not yet documented; before 1936, acquired by Henry Harlow Brooks of New York, NY; by 1943, acquired from the estate of Henry Harlow Brooks by an anonymous donor; October 26,1943, gift of an anonymous donor to the Brooklyn Museum.
    Provenance FAQ
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Stone carving representing a buffalo embryo(?). This would have fit onto something but would not function as a club. Looks rather modern in style as a fetish and resembles a buffalo in the face or possibly a carving of a cicada. Made of soapstone; threading rings sometimes indicate a medicine use. 'Lightening' streaks coming out of mouth. Stone carving is very rare for Plains, but Mississippi tribes are very interested in stone as a media. For Lakota, rebirth and animals in larvae stage were sacred. Exact purpose of this piece and what it represents is unknown.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Sioux. Medicine Man's Club Representing Buffalo Embryo, 18th–19th century. Stone, 7 3/4 x 2 1/4 x 2 5/8 in. (19.7 x 5.7 x 6.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Anonymous gift in memory of Dr. Harlow Brooks, 43.201.165. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.43.201.165_view1.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, CUR.43.201.165_view1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2006
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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    Sioux. <em>Medicine Man's Club Representing Buffalo Embryo</em>, 18th–19th century. Stone, 7 3/4 x 2 1/4 x 2 5/8 in. (19.7 x 5.7 x 6.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Anonymous gift in memory of Dr. Harlow Brooks, 43.201.165. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.43.201.165_view1.jpg)