Appaloosa horses were the pride of the Nez Perce Indians who hailed from the Palouse River country in what is now Idaho. As white settlers moved into traditional Nez Perce lands, successful trades in horses enriched the Nez Perce. In the mid 1800’s when an ordinary horse could be bought for 15.00, the Appy’s often brought many times that money. Of course the story of the surrender of Chief Joseph in 1877, and the related fate of the Appaloosa is a tragic story.
This painting, on an earlier note, speaks of trade. This girl is a Crow Indian or at least she wears Crow moccasins and beaded bag. The Crow probably did not trade with the Nez Perce for this horse, but gained it after the fact in trade or raiding of other tribes or white settlements.
A Good Trade is an oil, 18×12 and will be available in my Room 176 at the Heritage in in Great Falls, during the Western Masters Art Show this week.
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