Picture of Blackfoot Native American - Description and Points of Interest
The name of the artist is George Catlin (1796-1872). The picture, depicting traditional dress, provides the opportunity to study the culture and clothing of this Native American Indian woman. The name of the Native Indian woman in the picture is Eeh-nís-kim, Crystal Stone, Wife of the Chief, 1832, Blackfoot / Kainai tribe. The picture of her raises different points of interest which increase knowledge and understanding of Native Indian tribes:
What materials have been used to make the clothes?
What ornaments or decorations are being worn?
What items or accessories is she holding?
What image does the picture convey?
The title we have given the picture reflects the name of the tribe, for ease of identification.
Description of the Picture
The artist of this painting, George Catlin, wrote the following to accompany this picture:
“I have also placed upon my canvass [Crystal Stone]; her countenance is rather pleasing, which is an uncommon thing amongst the Blackfeet her dress is made of skins, and being the youngest of a bevy of six or eight, and the last one taken under his [the chief's] guardianship, was smiled upon with great satisfaction.”
The Manners, Customs and Conditions of the North American Indians (1832 - 1839)
by George Catlin