A masterpiece of Lakota sculpture, the Sioux Horse Effigy dance stick, ca. 1870, was probably carved to honor a wounded horse and is considered one of the greatest equine sculptures in the world. This singular piece of the museum's collection is incorporated into the Society's logo.

Carved out of wood, this 3-foot-long sculpture is enhanced by its real horsehair mane and tail. Leather reins and bridle exhibit care with which this sculpture was made. The horse is also riddled with holes, bullet wounds. Red paint, blood, seems to seep from these wounds, suggesting that it died in battle. Blood also runs from the horse's mouth in the form of red horsehair. Its ears are backward slanting, showing fear and pain. The horse's elongated body and forward leaping motion suggest a leap from life to death.