Frame Drum 1875 - 1900

This frame drum was made by Thunder Elk, who was likely Lakota, from wood, hide, and pigment. The materials here are not traditional ‘art’ materials in the Western sense, but rather, they are the stuff of everyday Lakota life, transformed. Consider the way the hide is stretched tightly over the wooden frame; it's a testament to the maker's knowledge of materials. The painting, divided into a dark upper register with a crescent moon and a light lower register, adds another layer of meaning. Think of the hours taken to produce this artwork. The natural pigments were sourced locally from minerals and plants; then the hide was carefully selected, prepared, stretched, and secured to the wood. The frame was crafted using woodworking skills. It’s clear that this drum isn’t just an object, it’s a powerful expression of Lakota culture and identity. By focusing on these materials, process, and context, we can move past the conventional idea of ‘art’ and see how this beautiful object embodies the history and skill of its maker.