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The American Rodeo Gallery is closed for renovation.

The Museum will be closed to the public on August 1.

"The Cowboy: An Immersive Journey" Returns July 25

Horse Dance Stick

Unknown

Northern Plains, Lakota

ca. 1970

Ash wood, leather, pigments, brass tacks

1983.06.6

On View

Ritual & Ceremony

For many tribes, the horse was second in importance only to the bison. There is considerable variation of horse dance sticks among Norther Plains tribes. During historic times they were commonly associated with victory dances or veterans reenacting counting coup, a feat of high honor.

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