Offered in this lot is a rare and original photograph of Blackfeet Chiefs Medicine Owl and Bear Head, circa 1910-1915. Natuye Sipisto (aka Medicine Owl), the son of Chief Black Bear & Many Snakes Woman, from the Blackfeet Reservation in northwestern Montana, Pikuni Blackfeet, was born in 1866, and later married the Pikuni Blackfeet healer known as Mountain Sheep Woman. Medicine Owl was a member of the Crazy Dogs Warrior Society and the Crow Carrier's Warrior Society, and became the Captain of the Blackfeet Tribal Police in 1899, serving in that capacity until his death in 1919. From 1909 to 1915, Roland W. Reed was probably the most prolific photographer of the Plains Indians of Northern Montana and Southern Albewrta, Canada - the Blackfeet, Piegan, Blood, Flathead, and Cheyenne.
The photograph is on good overall condition, having been processed onto cardstock and exhibits age related tanning and slight foxing. No other obvious damage noted. Measurements are 5.5"W x 9.5"L