Smutty Bear -  Yankton Sioux Indian Chief

SOLD

Item #7189

Price $30.00

A genuine antique engraving titled "Smutty Bear of the Sioux Tribe of Indians." published in Ballou's Pictorial in 1858. It is in excellent condition and shows a period view this Yankton Sioux chief on a visit to Washington DC, after visiting President Buchanan. This engraving was done from an early photograph by S. Masury, one of the earliest photographic images of a native American Indian. The portrait is accompanied by a lengthy article describing Smutty Bear and the current relations between whites and Indians.
Smutty Bear was part of a large Native American delegation that came to Washington, DC, during the winter of 1857-58. Under duress, members of the delegation signed a treaty that greatly reduced their lands in return for promises of money and provisions that were never fulfilled. This prompted the Sioux Revolt of 1862, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of settlers and the mass hangings of 38 Native Americans.

The print has been cleaned and is free of age toning and foxing spots. Dimensions of the engraving is approx. 6 by 7.50 inches. The overall size of the complete uncut page is approx. 11 by 15 inches. There is text on the reverse side. This is not a modern reproduction or reprint. This is a 146 year old engraving and guaranteed to be as described.