Unidentified Man

Description

An inscription on the reverse of this portrait refers to the subject as Ahsch’ÛÎ_psa Masihichsi. A nearly identical inscription appears on the reverse of the portrait reproduced in the previous plate. From a statement in the German edition of Travels in the Interior of North America, that plate definitely depicts Ahsch’ÛÎ_psa Masihichsi, but there is no corroborating data for the inscription associated with this one and, while there is some likeness of facial features and dress, the two pictures may represent two different individuals. Given the similarity of hairdress, clothing, and ornament between the two tribes, the subject here could be either Mandan or Hidatsa. Whistles made of the bones of large birds and worn around the neck were common among Plains peoples. They are frequently referred to as war whistles and were used in battle to signal attack. They also had strong ceremonial associations and were often among the insignia of men's societies. For example, various Mandan societies were distinguished by whistles made of goose, crane, or swan bones. However, whistles made of eagle bone were most prevalent overall. Whistles were often beautifully ornamented, and the ornamentation could be part of an identifying society insignia.