Original Photograph Of Kiowa Indian, Big Tree, And His Son.

UNKNOWN PHOTOGRAPHER

Other works by UNKNOWN PHOTOGRAPHER

Publication: Circa 1890's, NP

Original Photograph. Mount: 4" x 5.75" Photograph: 3.875" x 5.5". Big Tree was a major Kiowa war chief during the 1870's. A follower of Lone Wolf, he made many raids into Texas, preying on the early settlers. Big Tree was part of the raiding party that attacked the Warren wagon train in north Texas, killing 7 of the freighters, and narrowly missing General Sheridan's inspection party. Upon his return to Fort Sill, Big Tree was among those bragging of the raid. He was arrested, with Satanta and Satank and sentenced to be imprisoned in Huntsville, Texas. Along the way Satank was killed, but Big Tree and Satanta were paroled in 1873 through the influence of Indian rights groups. Big Tree was arrested at Fort Sill when Satanta was sent back to Huntsville in 1874. Released in 1875, Big Tree settled down on the Kiowa Reservation, married, and ran a freighting operation between Anadarko and Wichita. He became a peaceful, model citizen, and died at Fort Sill in 1929. In this photograph, Big Tree is seated with his son standing at his side, with a pale studio background. His son is dressed in white-mans clothing...shoes, slacks, jacket, buttoned over a shirt, with tie, and close-cropped hair. Big Tree wears beaded moccasins, pants, vest buttoned over a collared shirt with tie. He wears a long 3-strand necklace and a medal pinned to his vest. His haired is braided and wrapped in traditional fashion. He wears 2 rings on his left hand and holds an eagle-feather fan. Across his lap is a decorated and fringed blanket. Some light soiling and some minor wear to corners of the mount. A scarce image of this major Kiowa war chief, and reflecting an interesting period of transition from one generation to the next.

Inventory Number: 53949