The beginnings of Ledger Art trace back to narrative drawings created by Plains Indians on paper or cloth in the late 19th century. As trade flourished, accounting ledger books became a common (and very portable and convenient) source of paper for the Plains Indians.
These narratives documented daily life as well as cultural struggle. In the late 19th century, the U.S. government was “relocating” Native communities to designated reservations. And while artwork and documentation was traditionally created and kept on animal hide with natural pigment, during this time, Plains Indians utilized sources that were readily available.
This artform and long record of history became tradition that has continued up through contemporary Native art. See such art from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 15, at Heard Museum North, 32633 North Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, in the exhibition "Stories Outside The Lines." Open through Sunday, September 22, 2013, the collection includes hide paintings as well as drawings that tell decades of history.
