BODMER, Karl.

Bodmer made this full-length double portrait whilst at Fort Clark in December 1833. On the left is Sih-Chida ('Yellow Feather'), probably a member of the Mandan Dog Society as the cluster of feathers at the back of his head suggests. On the right stands Mahchsi ('Flying War Eagle'), a member of the Soldier Society, which regulated all important tribal affairs, but was perhaps best know for his height - at just over six feet, he was described by Bodmer as the 'tallest Mandan'.

From the 'Travels in the Interior of North America between 1832-34' by Prince Maximilian Alexander Philipp Zu Wied-Neuweid, published in two volumes by Ackermmann in London 1843 - the finest work on American Indian life and the American Frontier. It is the result of an epic journey which took place at a time when the mass migrations of settlers and pioneers was about to alter irrevocably the unspoiled Bodmer (1809-93) was engaged by prince Maximilian (already famed for his earlier explorations in Brazil) to provide a record of his travels among the Plains Indians of North America during 1833-34. His efforts show great versatility and technical virtuosity and give us a uniquely thorough, accomplished and detailed picture of a previously little understood (and soon to vanish) way of life.