I-an-be-w'ah-dick, Male Caribou, a Brave

George Catlin, born Wilkes-Barre, PA 1796-died Jersey City, NJ 1872 · 1836

George Catlin described Male Caribou, a member of the Ojibwe/Chippewa tribe, as “a brave, with a war-club in his hand.” This portrait was painted from life at Sault Ste. Marie, located between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, during Catlin’s only visit there in 1836. Despite the obvious interest Catlin took in rendering the decorated shirt, war club, and feathered turban-style headdress, this warrior’s direct gaze is what holds our attention. Catlin’s portraits show the Plains Indians as individuals with distinct personalities. (Catlin, 1848 Catalogue, Catlin’s Indian Gallery, SAAM online exhibition)