Morning Star Gallery is proud to present the largest and most comprehensive collection of Plains ledger drawings to ever be shown in Santa Fe.

Early ledger drawings were a Warrior’s autobiographical pictographic record of courageous acts performed in battle. A Warrior’s status was gained and maintained through a complex series of War Honors. These acts of bravery would help a warrior distinguish himself and improve his rank within his group and hopefully lead to a position of leadership.

During the devastating “transition” to reservation life, which forced traditional lifestyles to change dramatically, the subject matter of these drawings began to expand to include courting and hunting scenes, celebrations, social interactions, ceremonies, and other events of note to the artist.

Ledgers tell their story, told their way, for themselves. The information they chose to include in these drawings is fascinating. There are details included that identify the artist uniquely: a shield, a lance, a headdress, a horse, a battle in which they participated, a celebration which they observed, etc. Often, the smallest details in these drawings help disclose some of the overlooked subtleties of Plains life. Ledger drawings touch on the varied disciplines of ethnology, political science, journalism, sociology, tribal history, and American history when telling their stories.

With over 40 compositions by 15 Plains artists, and spanning the decades 1860-1900, this exhibition succinctly demonstrates the developmental progression of style and subject matter, as well as highlighting the accomplished artistry found within this uniquely American Art form from over 5 decades.