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The Spirit of Winter, 1926

 Item — Folder: Unknown
Identifier: TU2009.39.8387.35

Description

Leather album page of bronze of a man with wolves. The figure is supposed to be Blackfoot Spirit with wolves. Remarks include, "this is an Indian fable of how winter came about. Winter is called by the Blackfoot Indians 'Cold Maker' and this bronze represents him. In the long ago, an Indian died who had been treated badly by his people. He was buried on a scaffold up in the branches of a Cottonwood. One night the wolves came along and pulled his body down from the tree, but found him too tough to eat as his body had mummified, so they left him. His spirit entered his mummified body and calling the wolves back and the cold North Wind he leads them down to the camp of his people to punish them for the way they treated him when he was alive. The wolves represent hunger and starvation and the wind - cold, sickness and desolation."

Dates

  • 1926

Creator

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

Materials in English

Access Restrictions

Available by appointment only at the Helmerich Center for American Research (HCAR) with the exception of materials with donor restrictions. Contact Library staff in advance to inquire if materials exist pertaining to your research interests.

Extent

From the Collection: 1 extent_missing

Credit Line

Gilcrease Museum/The University of Tulsa

Provenance

Britzman Collection

Medium

gelatin silver process

Dimensions

Overall: 11 x 7 in. (27.9 x 17.8 cm)

Notes

The Homer and Helen Britzman collection consists of over 10,000 objects belonging to Charles M. Russell including letters, drawings, personal belongings, photos, and other memorabilia. Homer Britzman worked extensively with Charles Russell’s wife, Nancy, to write Russell’s biography. Chain of custody: Nancy Russell, Homer and Helen Britzman, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Amon Carter (inventoried collection in 1997), Gilcrease Management Trust (will become property of TU Special Collections if management agreement between TU and the City of Tulsa is severed).

Previous Number

E.425 (Colorado Springs number)

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Gilcrease Museum/Helmerich Center for American Research Repository

Contact:

918-631-6403