| This
painting is taken from the book History of the Indian Tribes of North
America in which Native American leaders had their portraits painted
by famed portraitist Charles Bird King while each was in Washington,
D.C. in the early 1800’s to confer with the U.S. government.
Indian Affairs officer Thomas McKenney, who greatly admired these
men, was aware that tribal cultures were rapidly changing and commissioned
the portraits in an effort to accurately depict and preserve the dignified
appearance and cultural attire of the diplomats sent by the tribes
to D.C.
Native Americans |
| previous|next |