Red Horn

Early in the research, Robert L. Hall identified the figures in this composition as the main characters in a Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) oral tradition called the "Legend of Red Horn", which anthropologist Paul Radin recorded around the turn of the century. From left to right: a giant, a turtle, a red-haired giant Chieftainess, Storms-As-He-Walks (thunderbird), and Red Horn (He-Who-Wears-Human-Heads-As-Earrings). A similar legend was recorded for the Ioway by Alanson Skinner. The Ho-Chunk and the Ioway are closely related linguistically.

The lengthy legend is an heroic saga detailing the exploits of Red Horn. At one point, the hero is joined by his friends, Turtle and Storms-as-he-walks (who is a thunderbird who opts to live as a human) in a contest with the champions of a race of giants who have been killing Red Horn's people. The two large figures on the wall are presumed to represent the giants, the smaller human is Red Horn. The crested falcon-like bird is the thunderbird and the Ho-Chunk note that such creatures tie cedar bows to their heads (which explains the crest). The legend goes on to say that one of the giants, a chieftainess, has red hair, and one of the giant figures has red paint behind (her) head. This woman becomes Red Horn's second wife. article©1997 Robert Salzer