This talking robe is a buffalo robe. Native Americans sometimes painted their war deeds on their robes so everybody could see their accomplishments. The earlier the robes, the more stylized and simplistic they were. As Native Americans advanced, the art on the robes became more sophisticated, too.

This northern Plains native wears a calico shirt which was common; even in the early 1880's they were trade items. His bonnet is made from the hump of the buffalo because that was where you could find the longest fur.

- Howard Terpning