Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak (Black Hawk) / SOLD

Description

Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak (Black Hawk)

A Saukie Brave Published by F.W. Greenough, Philadelphia, 1838 A powerful large-format hand-colored lithograph depicting Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak, better known as Black Hawk (1767–1838), the famed Sauk war leader. Issued in Philadelphia by F.W. Greenough in 1838, this portrait is from the monumental McKenney & Hall’s “History of the Indian Tribes of North America.” The portrait presents Black Hawk with shaved scalp lock painted bright red, a silver medallion hanging from his neck, and a vivid red blanket draped across his shoulders. Beneath the image is the caption: “Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak. A Saukie Brave.”

Black Hawk rose to prominence as a Sauk warrior during the early 19th century, fighting alongside the British in the War of 1812. In 1832, he led a band of Sauk, Meskwaki, and Kickapoo in what became known as the Black Hawk War, resisting U.S. encroachment into Illinois lands. Despite early victories, his forces were ultimately defeated, and the tragic retreat culminated in the Bad Axe Massacre. After his capture, Black Hawk was taken east, where he met U.S. leaders and became one of the most widely known Native figures of his time. He remains a lasting symbol of Native resistance to forced removal and U.S. expansion. Medium: Hand-colored lithograph. Date: 1838.   Publisher: F.W. Greenough, Philadelphia. Condition: Mild toning and light foxing; hand-coloring remains vivid.

Inventory Number: PRI 208