Original Photograph Of Kiowa War Chief, Big Tree.

WILLIAM-PHOTOGRAPHER SOULE

Other works by WILLIAM-PHOTOGRAPHER SOULE

Publication: Circa 1901, NP,

Original Photograph. Mount: 4.25" x 6.5" Photograph: 3.875" x 5.375". Big Tree, Ado-eete, 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. This is photographer, Soule's famous image of Big Tree, taken in 1869 or the early 1870's. Written on the negative near the bottom of the image: "Hoof-be-leaf or "Big Tree" Kiowa Brave Copyright 1901 by Pioneer Roll Paper Co." Image is from the chest up, Big Tree wears a shirt with a decorative piece over the upper chest. He wears a long single-strand necklace. His hairs is braided and wrapped in a tradition manner. One inch closed tear to lower right edge of photograph and some other light wear. Very good. A classic image of a hostile Kiowa leader.

Inventory Number: 53950