Counting Coup c. 1880

Attributed to Big Cloud, this ledger drawing captures a vivid scene of counting coup, a tradition among Plains Indians. The dominant symbol here is the horse, a signifier of wealth, status, and power. This motif resonates deeply, echoing in ancient equestrian statues and even the winged horses of mythology. Here, though, the horse is not merely a beast of burden, but a partner in the act of bravery. The act of "counting coup"—touching an enemy without causing serious harm—is depicted with the lance, a symbolic extension of the warrior's will. Consider the evolution of the 'lance' throughout history. From the spears of antiquity, employed by Roman legionaries, to the jousting knights of medieval Europe, the lance's symbolic resonance has shifted, yet always evokes power and valor. We see, in this drawing, the psychological weight of cultural memory, the subconscious echoes of bravery and dominance passed down through generations, engaging the viewer on a primal level. The motifs of horse and lance create a non-linear, cyclical progression, resurfacing across continents and centuries, their meanings evolving, yet their power undiminished.