Weathervane: Indian and Dog

Date1860-1880 (probably)

MediumSheet iron and paint

DimensionsOverall: 35 x 32 x 1/4in., 13lb. (88.9 x 81.3 x 0.6cm, 5.9kg)

Credit LineGift of the John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, Fund, Inc., through the generosity and interest of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, and members of the family

Object number1979.800.5

DescriptionStriding Indian wearing feathered headdress, lifts tomahawk in one hand. Dog sits beside him. Traces of paint on headdress; red feathers, yellow band. Face painted flesh tones, eyes delineated. Flat iron cutout, reinforced with strips of metal. Mounted on wood base.
Label TextThis Indian and Dog was one of several weather vanes acquired by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller for display in the Bassett Hall teahouse. The idea of decorating the family's pleasant garden retreat with "outdoor art" may seem logical now, but in the 1930s, few people considered using weather vanes as interior ornaments. The effect must have elicited surprise, amusement, and delight.

The vane is a variant of another in the Folk Art Center's collections, acc. no. 1957.800.1. The additon of the sitting dog distinguishes this example from others that show a lone Indian with a raised tomahawk.
ProvenancePurchased by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller for use at Bassett Hall from Edith Gregor Halpert, Downtown Gallery, New York, N.Y.

Exhibition(s)