https://denverartmuseum.org/edu/object/cutting-scene-mandan-o-kee-pa-ceremony
The Cutting Scene is part of a series of four paintings by Catlin that depict the O-kee-pa ceremony, the central religious activity of the Mandan Indians. The young men in this painting were willing participants in this sacred ceremony, which was held to ensure the community’s prosperity. During the part of the ritual depicted in this painting, wooden splints were inserted into the participant’s chest and back muscles (a procedure that, although painful, didn’t cause lasting injury). The participants were then suspended by cords that were lowered down from the top of the lodge and attached to the splints. According to Calvin Grinnell, Cultural Preservation Specialist for the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, “this is a trance-like state, they would be faint, and that’s when we believe the messages come.” These men would have considered it a great honor to take part in the O-kee-pa ceremony, at the end of which they were recognized as warriors of courage and fortitude.
By sheer chance, Catlin arrived in a Mandan village a week before their O-kee-pa ceremony began. Over the course of this week, he won the community’s respect and admiration by painting their portraits. Catlin returned the community’s sentiment and stated, “A better, more honest, hospitable and kind people, as a community, are not to be found in the world.” When the ceremony began, a holy man invited Catlin to witness the events taking place inside the sacred lodge. Catlin was one of the few non-Indians to witness this ceremony, which was outlawed in 1890.
That's messed up. What a spooky looking painting.
For a moment I read it as George Carlin and was very confused.