Howling Wolf and History Ledger Art

Library Journal

The final years of armed conflict between the U.S. government and Plains Indians created a new category of documentary artists. Imprisoned Plains warriors re-created their battles, rituals, and personal histories on accountants' ledger books. These drawings and paintings have been the subject of scattered study, but this new work provides a clearer record through the activities of one individual. Howling Wolf was one of 72 hostages sent to Fort Marion in Saint Augustine, Florida. There he made powerful ledger drawings and was purportedly one of two Native Americans to produce ledger art after their return to the reservation. The Cheyenne warrior's known work narrates the overall history of ledger art. An important contribution in its own right, this book has a few weaknesses. Szabo's language is awkward at times, which may result from the book's origins as a doctoral dissertation. In addition, her discussion of the ledger drawings as documentation vs. artwork is not as extensive as one would like. However, this work serves as a scholarly introduction to a topic that needs further exploration. (Illustrations not seen.)-- Paula A. Baxter, NYPL