Piäh-Sukah-Ketutt, Cree Man

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Artist

Karl Bodmer

Birth and death dates

1809 - 1893

Artist Nationality

Swiss

Title

Piäh-Sukah-Ketutt, Cree Man

Date

October 25, 1833

Dimensions

12 9/16 × 10 1/4 in. (31.9 × 26 cm)

Medium

Watercolor and graphite on paper

Institution

Joslyn Art Museum

Credit Line

Gift of the Enron Art Foundation

Accession Number

1986.49.229

Rights (i.e. copyright information)

Joslyn Art Museum

Photographer credit

Photograph © Bruce M. White, 2019

Commentary

This man, whose name means "Speaking Thunder," was a hunter for the fur company at Fort Union; his portrait was painted there in October, 1833. He had a curious object found near the Milk River which appeared to Maximilian to be the fossilized tooth of an elephant like mammal. From the Indian's description more bones remained at the site, and the scientist regretted not having the time to make the journey there to examine them. On the young man's breast is a large, silvery, medallion-like object. Speaking Thunder is also wearing a bear claw necklace and is known to have sold Maximilian a set or "outfit" of bear claws. The latter may be the same "neckband" of bear claws later given by Maximilian to the famous Mandan chief Mató-Tópe along with otterskin, beads, and the request that the chief fashion from these one of the splendid necklaces so typical of the Upper Missouri people. The finished necklace is now in the collection of the Linden Museum in Stuttgart.

References in Journal

October 25, 1833

Labels:

genre, portrait , Fort Union, North Dakota

Approximate Depicted Location:

Fort Union, North Dakota