Anon. Indian Pig-sticking Boar Hunt Sport, The Buffs Regiment

An original 1873 pastel drawing – Indian Pig-sticking Boar Hunt Sport, The Buffs Regiment.

This curious small drawing is one of a pair that we have for sale (see stock no. KD-647) produced in India around 1873, depicting a British military officer engaged in the at-that-time extremely popular sport of pig-sticking.

The officer is identified on a separate fragment of paper as Major F. Mosley of the Buffs regiment. The Buffs, a nickname for the East Kent Regiment, were stationed in Bengal, including Calcutta, for most of the 1870s. The regiment was known for their shooting prowess, winning the Magdala Cup in 1874. The 1st Battalion was also central to the establishment of the Calcutta Football Club in 1872.

Whilst boar hunting with dogs had existed since ancient times, 'pig-sticking' on horseback originated only in the late 18th or early 19th century. Central to the martial conditioning of the British forces in India and to the assertion of colonial dominance, it was labelled by Robert Baden-Powell the 'premier sport of India'. The sport was fast moving and dangerous, the horse rider requiring preeminent equestrian skills to out-manoeuvre the strong, wily boar. Tent Clubs were established across the provinces to oversee the sport on a local level, where strict rules and etiquette were enforced.

Our pig-sticker wears the typical sportsman's jacket, breeches and essential helmet, as well as sporting a full beard, popular at this time as a symbol of heroic masculinity.

In blue and red pastel on grey paper.

Please note the small size of this artwork.