Ball-Play Dance. (From Catlin's N.A. Indian Collection) / Catlin del McGahey, lith.
A large assembly of Choctaw men and women performing the "Ball-play Dance". Members of opposing teams, seen huddled together on opposite sides of the field of play wearing breechcloths ornamented with tails made of white horse hair, hold aloft their ball sticks while chanting. Two rows of singing and dancing women facing each other are lined up next to each huddle. In the middle of the field between the opposing rows of women sits a group of Medicine Men smoking calumets, while on the outside of each huddle of players there are two drummers. Two separate goal posts and a crowd of spectators are visible in the background.
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