Fr 034 Pima Indians Convoying Silver in Mexico FredericReminton sqs Frederick Remington (1861-1909)

The drawing depicts a group of individuals traversing a rugged, mountainous terrain. A procession of men, presumably indigenous based on their attire and physical characteristics, is visible, accompanied by several pack animals – mules or donkeys – laden with what appears to be silver ingots. The figures are rendered in meticulous detail using cross-hatching techniques that create a strong sense of depth and texture within the landscape.
The composition directs attention towards the central figure, who stands slightly ahead of the others, his posture suggesting both leadership and weariness. He holds a long object – possibly a tool or weapon – and gazes forward with an expression difficult to decipher definitively; it could be interpreted as stoicism, apprehension, or perhaps even resignation. The other men are similarly characterized by a certain solemnity, their faces etched with the hardships of travel.
The landscape itself is rendered with considerable realism. Jagged rocks and sparse vegetation dominate the foreground, while a steep hillside rises in the background, partially obscured by shadow. This creates a sense of enclosure and emphasizes the challenging nature of the journey. The presence of what appears to be a rudimentary structure – perhaps a shelter or lookout point – perched on the hillside hints at a precarious existence within this environment.
Subtly embedded within the scene are implications regarding power dynamics and economic exploitation. The silver, clearly valuable, is being transported by individuals who appear to occupy a subordinate position. This suggests a scenario of labor or trade where indigenous people are involved in the extraction and movement of resources under conditions that may not be entirely equitable. The artist’s choice to depict them as burdened carriers reinforces this interpretation.
The overall tone of the drawing is one of quiet observation, devoid of overt drama but laden with an underlying sense of tension and unspoken narrative. It invites contemplation on themes of cultural interaction, economic dependency, and the complexities of human experience within a specific historical context.