Captioned Photograph Of Three Great Leaders Of The Crow Indians

WILDSCHUT, WILLIAM [PHOTOGRAPHER]

Publication: Photograph taken on the Crow Reservation, n, d, (ca 1922), N P, 1918-1928

This is an incredible piece of historical photography as this 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" real photograph post card pictures three great leaders of the Crow Nation: CHIEF BELL ROCK – CHIEF PLENTY COOS – CHIEF HOLDS THE ENEMY.

1)). Chief Bell Rock (Biitawuash – 1842-1932).
Chief Bell Rock, was recognized as one of the great pipe-carriers and war leaders of the Crow Indians. that resided on the Crow Reservation of Montana. According to the National Museum of the American Indian, Chief Bell Rock (Biitawuásh) was of the "Brings Home Game without Shooting" (Uússaawaachiia) Clan and a resident of the Pryor District (Aluutáashe). In this photograph he is seen as wearing a shirt decorated with beadwork, ermine pelts and fringed, a neckerchief, and a feather headdress.”

2). Chief Plenty Coups (Aleek-chea-ahoosh meaning “Many Achievements” was born in 1848. By the age of 28 he had been named a chief of the Apsaalooke (Crow) tribe thru the “earned respect through extraordinary bravery, completing the four traditional war deeds (touching an enemy, stealing a weapon, leading a war party, and taking a tethered horse) multiple times over.” Not only was he able to negotiate successfully with the U. S. Government to protect traditional Crow homelands in the Yellowstone River Valley, he also traveled to Washington, D. C. to advocate for education and farming. Possibly of most interest is that in 1921 at Arlington Cemetery he was the only Native American to represent all Indian tribes at the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. At this ceremony he laid down his own war bonnet and coup stick.

3). Chief Holds The Enemy (Bakulee Ashbaaihaash) was a widely influential and respected elder and leader of the Crow in the late 19th century and early 20th centuries. He was the son of Pretty Eagle, a prominent Crow Chief.

Photograph is captioned and in very good condition.