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Photography by Edward C. Robison III.

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

At 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.

ArtistaKarl Bodmer(1809-1893)

Swiss, 1809 - 1893

Fecha1832-1834
MedioHand-colored aquatint
Dimensiones17 1/4 x 23 1/2 in. (43.8 x 59.7 cm)
Línea de créditoCrystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, 2009.26.46
ClasificaciónPrint
ProcedenciaAuthor; to Frederick Schuchart, NY, 1844; (William Reese Company, New Haven, CT); purchased by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, AR, 2009
En exhibiciónNo
Chief of the Blood I…17.3 × 23.5 in.Tennis Ball2.7 in. diameter

This artwork's face covers about 56× the area of a tennis ball.Drawn to the same scale.