Little Crow by Frank Blackwell Mayer, 1851

In 1851, artist frank blackwell mayer drew a portrait of little crow when he traveled to traverse des sioux in minnesota territory. Dakota chief ta-oya-te-duta, known in english as little crow, sketched at traverse des sioux, minnesota territory the artist describes little crow as follows: the chief [little crow] is a man of some forty five years of age & of a very determined and ambitious nature, but withal exceedingly gentle and dignified in his deportment. His face is full of intelligence when he is in conversation & his whole bearing is that of a gentleman. [1] [b]eing attired in state[, little crow] fulfilled his promise to me by sitting for his portrait. His headdress was peculiarly rich, a. Diadem of rich work rested on his forehead & a profusion of weasel tails fell from this to his back & shoulders. Two small buffalo horns emerged on either side from this mass of whiteness, & ribbons & a singular ornament of strings of buckskin tied in knots & colored gaily depended in numbers from his head to his shoulders & chest. [2]. Date: 1851.