Ledger Art

The painting of animal hides shifted to ledger art in the late 19th century when buffalo became scarce, thanks to ledger books that came from traders and other sources. The art was revived in the 1960s and remains an important artistic tradition for tribes. Because of their fragility, most galleries rotate their drawing display to prevent degradation. But chances are you'll be able to see this unique form of art at:

• Aktá Lakota Museum and Cultural Center (Chamberlain)
• Prairie Edge & Sioux Trading Post (Rapid City)
• The Heritage Center at Maypiya Luta/ Red Cloud (Pine Ridge)
• South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center (Pierre) - Note that this location is closed for renovation until July 2025. 
• Dahl Fine Arts Center (Rapid City)
• South Dakota Art Museum (Brookings)

See below for even more places to learn more about this fascinating and unique art form across South Dakota!