CINCINNATI, OH.- Hindman’s April 21st Native American Art auction will be anchored by a strong selection of 19th century ledger art, highlighted by a one-of-a-kind Rosebud Agency sketchbook, by Native artist “Jack,” which descended directly through the family of Captain Charles A.H. McCauley. The ledger art alongside the 19th century weaponry and beadwork portrays warriors and life on the Plains. The sale also features material from the Eastern Woodlands and Great Lakes, historic and modern Puebloan pottery and paintings, and ethnographic objects from the Arctic.

Hindman will also present property from the following significant collections: Paul Gray, Robert Streett, James Frasca, Smith Collection, Scottsdale, Arizona, Larry Goldstone, Donald W Wallace and Judith S Wallace, Estate of Harlan and Mildred Pratt, Leonard and Joan Horvitz, Moreland Hills, Ohio, Robert P. Hunter, Jr. and Barbara Hunter, Alpharetta, Georgia, Peter Sinclair, West Hurley, NY.

Rosebud Agency Sketchbook, by "Jack"

Highlighting the ledger art session of the auction will be a rare sketchbook by a Native artist “Jack.” The sketchbook illustrations are typical of Plains ledger art originating in the last quarter of the 19th century, particularly in subject matter. Stylistically, the drawings are in a mannerist-romantic style, possessing a three-dimensionality and sense of movement that is somewhat atypical of earlier ledger drawings and is notably striking in appearance. While 19th century ledger art is hard to come by in any form, an intact sketchbook which retains the narrative order of the drawings is exceedingly scarce.

Though the exact identity of "Jack" is not certain, a “Jack” does appear (ca 1847 - ca 1920) on the Indian Census rolls at Rosebud Agency, and is identified as "Lower Band of Brule Sioux" as well as "Yankton" and "Rosebud" Sioux.

The collector of this sketchbook, Captain Charles A.H. McCauley, also had in his archive a pencil drawing by an unknown Sioux artist of author and activist Luther Standing Bear (1868-1939).

Additional ledger art highlights to be offered include a Cheyenne example featuring a colorfully drawn battle scene (lot 64; estimate: $25,000 - $35,000) and two Arapaho drawings from the Edwards ledger book (lot 65 and 67; estimate for each: $25,000-35,000).

“I am very excited about this auction, which is made up of three centuries of beautiful works from across North America,” commented Danica Farnand, Vice President and Senior Specialist of Native American Art. “I'm especially thrilled by the Plains material we have in the sale. The clubs, tomahawks, and bows coupled with the ledger art, graphically and tangibly tell the stories of Plains warrior societies.”

Eastern Woodlands and Great Lakes Highlights

The sale will feature exceptional material from a wide range of regions, particularly from the Eastern Woodlands and Great Lakes.

Highlights include:

• Lot 32 | Great Lakes Ball Club, 19th century | Estimate: $4,000-6,000

• Lot 8 | Eastern Woodlands Elm Burl Bowl, late 18th - early 19th century | Estimate: $12,000-18,000

• Robert Streett’s collection is a stunning display of life in the Great Lakes region, ranging from beadwork and clothing to weapons and utilitarian objects.

Beadwork highlights include:

• Lot 19 | Haudenosaunee Beaded and Quilled Hide Moccasins, mid-19th century | Estimate: $5,000-7,000

• Lot 18 | Huron Black-tanned Quilled Moccasin, Single, first half 19th century | Estimate: $1,500-2,500

• Beadwork highlights also include a late 19th century Sioux Quilled and Beaded Hide Shirt (lot 131; estimate: $25,000-35,000)

Pottery Highlights:

Noteworthy lots of the sale will also include a range of pottery:

• Lot 229 | Maria and Julian Martinez (San Ildefonso, 1887-1980 / 1885-1943) | Painted Redware Pottery Plate, 1925-1943 | Estimate: $20,000-40,000

• Lot 192 | Zuni Polychrome Pottery Olla , fourth quarter 19th century | Estimate: $8,000-10,000

• Top lots of the sale also include a Northwest Carved Speaker Staff (lot 294; estimate: $20,000-30,000) and a Northern Plains Spontoon Pipe Tomahawk (lot 35; estimate: $20,000-25,000).