Stuff I Dig: Heyn portraits of Oglala Sioux Warriors

Four hand-colored platinum prints of Sioux warriors by photographer, Herman Heyn of Heyn Photo, Omaha, Nebraska. Gifted to the  Library of Congress by David A. Rector.

Strikes With Nose, Oglala Sioux chief, by Heyn Photo, 1899

Bone Necklace, Oglala Sioux council chief, by Heyn Photo, 1899

Shout At, Oglala Sioux, by Heyn Photo, 1899

Left Hand Bear, Oglala Sioux chief, by Heyn Photo, 1899

Stuff I Dig: Arms & Armour @ the Met

So I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art with my nephew recently because he wanted to see the Arms and Armour section. What a brief but fascinating look into the craftsmanship of war.  Even a modern day warrior has much to learn from the past; tactics and strategies that worked, the effectiveness of tools and even the psychology of combat.  But this being a museum, one can't help admire the individual artistry and attention to detail that went to making each weapon, shield and piece of armour here.  

Maybe because it's more recent, despite being designed and built over a hundred years ago, I was immediately attracted to the Colt revolver.  The firing mechanics haven't changed much but there is an appeal to these particular tools of death that go beyond a simple vintage attraction.  Notice the balance of composition and color and character in each of these revolver kits.  A little bit of flair and individual artistry to beautify these life-takers. The care that went into their design, construction and placement reminds the owner that it is vital to respect these devices and always remember the destructive power they are capable of.  


You should be in awe when you open up these cases, otherwise, you're not paying attention.

REVOLVER, COLT Army Issue

Samuel Colt  (American, 1814–1862)

Colt Model 1862 Police Revolver with Thuer Conversion

Samuel Colt  (American, 1814–1862)