NARRATIVE: American mountain men were pioneers in charting the unknown territory west of the frontier. They found passes across the mountains and were familiar with the perils that could be found along the trails. After the decline in the fur trade, many mountain men became guides for those making the journey across the plains to California or joined the army as scouts and guides. By the mid-1840s, most of the routes to the West were well traveled and the guides’ main role was to help travelers survive the harsh conditions and handle encounters with the Indians. (Source: History on the Net - American West and Native Americans - Mountain Men in the American West)

This piece depicts a chance encounter between a mountain man serving as guide and two Native Americans. The mountain man is leading a party west across the plains and is seeking directions from the Native Americans. Trade goods were the “currency” of the frontier and this mountain man is well stocked. With his trade goods on display, he is trying to orient the Native Americans to a map with its depiction of rivers, mountains and other landmarks. The Native Americans seem puzzled and probably asking, “What is a Map?”

This is a brand new piece created specifically to debut at this show.