Artwork Information

  • Title:

    Hurd House Frieze (The Rabbit Hunt)

  • Artist:

    Ufer, Walter

  • Artist Bio:

    American, 1876–1936

  • Date:

    1924

  • Medium:

    Oil on canvas

  • Dimensions:

    14 3/4 x 69 3/8 inches

  • Credit Line:

    Wichita Art Museum, Gift of the Estate of Mr. L.R. Hurd

  • Object Number:

    1945.1.10

  • Display:

    Not Currently on Display


About the Artwork

(Walter Ufer DESCRIPTION OF FRIEZE continued from 1945.1.9)

THE WEST WALL – THE RABBIT HUNT

I would call this the Religious Rabbit Hunt as the Indians believe that the rabbit is the strongest animal on account of its perpetuity. On certain days of the year the Indians, in groups set out to hunt the rabbit, and they follow this custom even to this day. As weapons they use bows and arrows chiefly, or some are so clever as to hit a jackrabbit with a stick. That night they have a rabbit feast in their pueblo, which is followed by a religious dance the next day. I show them active in a field of sage and greasewood. In the distance, I show the Western Range and a heavy storm or two.