National Anthropological Archives

Guide to MS 39-d-2 Drawings by Tichkematse and others, undated

Summary

Collection ID:
NAA.MS39D2
Creators:
Tichkematse, 1857-1932
Dates:
undated
Languages:
English
.
Physical Description:
13 Drawings (visual works)
graphite, crayon, watercolor, and ink; laminated
Repository:

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
The colletion consists of thirteen (13) drawings, primarily scenes of warfare. Most of the drawings were heavily water and mildew damaged; all have been laminated. Several drawings have been attributed to the Cheyenne artist Tichkematse on the basis of style, and two others are inscribed with names that have been identified as Cheyenne. Three are from an unknown Plains tribe. One drawings contains copies of scenes appearing in the Bloody Knife robe pictures in MS 2372. One drawing depicts two Fijian figures drawn in a Western style.
Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or National Anthropological Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.

Biographical Note

Biographical Note
Tichkematse (also known as Squint Eyes and Quchkeimus) (1857-1932) was among the men held prisoner at Fort Marion in Saint Augustine, Florida, from 1875-1878. While imprisoned, he learned to speak English and to read and write. Upon release he attended school at the Hampton Institute in Virginia for about a year before coming to work at the Smithsonian, primarily preparing bird and mammal specimens. During his time at the Smithsonian, he also produced drawings illustrating his old life on the Plains. In 1880 he returned to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Reservation in what is now Oklahoma, but he continued his affiliation with the Smithsonian, collecting bird and mammal specimens as well as craft items acquired from Cheyenne friends and relatives, which he shipped to the museum.

Digital Content

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Using the Collection

Preferred Citation
MS 39D-2 Drawings by Tichkematse and others, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
Access to the collection requires an appointment.
Conditions Governing Use
Contact the repository for terms of use

More Information

Local Numbers

Local Numbers
NAA MS 39D-2


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Works of art Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Ledger drawings Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Drawings Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Tsitsistas/Suhtai (Cheyenne) Cultural Context Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
North America Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

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