Tcha-aés-ka-ding, Grandson of Buffalo Bull’s Back Fat

George Catlin, Tcha-aés-ka-ding, Grandson of Buffalo Bull's Back Fat, 1832, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.159
Copied George Catlin, Tcha-aés-ka-ding, Grandson of Buffalo Bull's Back Fat, 1832, oil on canvas, 2924 in. (73.760.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.159
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Artwork Details

Title
Tcha-aés-ka-ding, Grandson of Buffalo Bull’s Back Fat
Date
1832
Dimensions
2924 in. (73.760.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Dress — Indian dress
  • Indian — Blackfoot
  • Portrait male — Buffalo Bull’s Back Fat, Grandson of — full length
  • Object — weapon — bow and arrow
Object Number
1985.66.159

Artwork Description

This plump six-year-old was directly in line to become chief of the Blackfoot. Twice kidnapped by Crow, he lived at Fort Union under the protection of its chief trader Kenneth Mackenzie, who planned to keep him until “he shall arrive at the proper age to take up the office which he is to succeed.”