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Chief of the Blood Indians, War-Chief of the Piekann Indians, Koutani Indian

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Photography by Edward C. Robison III.
Chief of the Blood Indians, War-Chief of the Piekann Indians, Koutani Indian
Photography by Edward C. Robison III.

Chief of the Blood Indians, War-Chief of the Piekann Indians, Koutani Indian

Artist (Swiss, 1809 - 1893)
Author (1782 - 1867)
Date1832-1834
MediumHand-colored aquatint
Dimensions17 1/4 × 23 1/2 in. (43.8 × 59.7 cm)
ClassificationsPrint
Credit LineCrystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, 2009.26.46
Accession number 2009.26.46
DescriptionDisbound from folio atlas volume of forty-eight plates
On View
Not on view
ProvenanceAuthor; to Frederick Schuchart, NY, 1844; (William Reese Company, New Haven, CT); purchased by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, AR, 2009
Label TextAt Fort McKenzie, Bodmer sketched the portraits of these tribal members. Pictured at left is Stomick-Sosack (also known as “Bull’s Hide”), the chief of a small band of Blood or Blackfeet Indians. Stomick-Sosack had saved the life of Major Mitchell, chief agent for the American Fur Company at Fort McKenzie, when another Indian wanted to kill him. The middle figure is Ninoch-Kiaiu, “Bear Chief,” a Piegan chief. Prince Maximilian described him as arrogant and unpopular; however, because of his loyalty to the American Fur Company, he received generous gifts from Major Mitchell. Bodmer portrayed him in a plain blanket, which he wore in mourning for his nephew who was killed by a rival band of Blood Indians. The figure at right is Homach-Koachkum, a Kutenai man who lived with his Piegan wife’s tribe where he had become a respected leader. Prince Maximilian discussed Kutenai language and customs with him while staying at Fort McKenzie.