Post by rory on May 3, 2010 16:52:22 GMT -5
Chief Pitikwahanapiwiyin / "The Drummer"
Chief Poundmaker/Pitikwahanapiwiyin, AKA. "Wolf thin legs" (Cree)1839?-1886. This is an original albumen photograph, not found in any on line archives (Circa 1885). No photographers imprint on a blank card. Photographer: Anonymous?
(There is mention of a photographer present when Big Bear arrived at the Poundmaker reserve on July 22,1883 to meet Poundmaker. In Rudy Wiebs book "Big Bear" Walpole Roland, an itinerant photographer was there from Port Author and wanted to take a photograph of Big Bear, but the price of $50 was too high. Poundmaker was present, there is no written proof that this photograph was taken at that time, the meeting was reported in the Saskatchewan Herald, Aug. 4, 1883. Just over a year and a half later was the start of the Northwest Rebellion)
Edit Aug.8/2013. Was reading "Blood Red the Sun" by W.B.C. who was there in 1883, and he recorded that Poundmaker's vest was already decorated with brass tacks at that time. (Although Walpole Rowland did meet Poundmaker in 1881 along the Missouri river, and mentions the meeting the next time they met in 1883.)Careful observation leads me to think Poundmaker is wearing the same vest seen decorated in more popular photographs taken later. Thanks
May 28/ 2015: Do you know if the half black/white pants Pitikwahanapiwyin wears are part of a prison uniform? Big bear also has a half black/white Jacket on in two photos (Sitting on steps outside of Manitoba peintentary, & a faded Black/white jacket on in the photo seated next to Poundmaker, who appears to be in an identical jacket. (I'm pretty sure it is not just a trick of light on the clothing, worth another set of eyes anyway, and opinions are appreciated too.)