Shahaka Big White chief of the Mandan people

Discover the allure of art with our faithful reproduction of "Shahaka Big White chief of the Mandan people", originally brought to life by the talented Charles Bird King. Unlike posters or prints, our hand-painted oil painting breathes an unique sense of depth and texture into your space. Every detail, every stroke, and every texture is meticulously recreated, paying the perfect homage to Charles Bird King and his artistic vision.

Owning this piece is more than just decoration - it's a statement of your refined taste in art. Let the vibrant colors and intricate details of this replica serve as a daily reminder of the beauty in our world. Elevate your decor and appreciate the richness of art with our replica of this masterpiece.

"Shahaka Big White Chief of the Mandan People" is a notable portrait by the American artist Charles Bird King, painted circa 1824. The artwork is a representation of Mato-Tope (also known as Ma-to-toh-pe or Four Bears), a distinguished Mandan chief, who was often referred to as Big White by American traders and officials. King, who was renowned for his portraiture of Native American leaders and dignitaries, created this piece following the chief's visit to Washington, D.C., as part of a delegation in 1822.

The portrait is significant for its historical and cultural value, capturing the visage of a prominent Native American figure during a period of intense change and interaction between indigenous peoples and the United States government. King's work is characterized by its attention to detail and its attempt to convey the dignity and individuality of his subjects. "Shahaka Big White Chief of the Mandan People" is part of a larger body of King's work that aimed to document the appearances and attire of Native American leaders before the influence of Western expansion altered their traditional ways of life.

The painting is also associated with the Indian Gallery collection of Thomas L. McKenney, who was the Superintendent of Indian Trade and later head of the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs. McKenney commissioned portraits from King and other artists to preserve the likenesses of Native American visitors to the nation's capital. Many of these works, including King's portraits, were later reproduced as lithographs for McKenney and James Hall's publication "History of the Indian Tribes of North America."

As an important artifact of early 19th-century American art and ethnography, "Shahaka Big White Chief of the Mandan People" serves as a poignant reminder of the Mandan people's history and the broader narrative of Native American leaders who navigated the complex dynamics of U.S. expansion and policy during that era. The original painting was destroyed in the Smithsonian fire of 1865, but its legacy endures through the lithographs and the historical record it helped establish.

When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.

We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.