Kicking Bear Death Mask – A Mystery
For those of you in possession of Rell Francis’ book, Cyrus E. Dallin: Let Justice Be Done, you may have noticed the photograph of what is said to be the death mask of Chief Kicking Bear on page 209. This work, currently in the possession of the Whitney Gallery of Western Art, has been attributed to Dallin in many places as one of his sculptures.
This bothers me on two levels. First, by virtue of what it is – a death mask is molded to the face of the deceased not sculpted freehand. Therefore, it could not be “sculpted” by Dallin. Semantics? Maybe, but it is still an important distinction. Second, in his book Francis claims that the mask was “owned by” Dallin. He did not say it was molded or sculpted by him. Since Francis was very careful to be inclusive in the works that he attributed to Dallin, even including some spurious works in the book, I question whether or not this death mask was truly a “Dallin work.” More likely it was a mask that Dallin used as inspiration for his sculptures of Native Americans for which he is most popularly known.
The research continues, dear readers. As always, when one pulls a string – the fabric often unravels. I am working with the Whitney as well as a few other historians to uncover the different facets of this story so that I may piece together the truth. I will keep you posted. Alas! What started out as the inspiration for a quick blog post has now turned into a full-fledged research project.
I am, however, enjoying the chase immensely.
Until next time…
