American Art Collaborative

George Catlin was fascinated by the Mandan medicine men “performing their mysteries” and particularly noted the young men who “volunteer to stand upon the lodge from sunrise until sundown, in turn, commanding it to rain. Each one has to hazard the disgrace which attaches (when he descends at sundown) to a fruitless attempt; and he who succeeds acquires a lasting reputation as a Mystery or Medicine man.” (Catlin, 1848 Catalogue, Catlin’s Indian Gallery, SAAM online exhibition