Sitting Bull 'Tatanka Iyotanka' (1834-1890). The spiritual leader and head of the Hunkpapa warrior societies, Sitting Bull poses in Barry's studio wearing a crucifix of brass and wood. It was presented to him in June of 1868 by 'Black Robe', Father Pierre Jean De Smet, who had been sent by General Sherman to bring Sitting Bull and his hostiles to council. Without Sitting Bull the 'Laramic Treaty' council took place at Fort Rice, D.T., July 2, 1868. (Harbaugh, P., 1982)
Sitting Bull 'Tatanka Iyotanka' (1834-1890). Most probably the last photograph of the legendary chief and vision seeker, Sitting Bull had guided his people for nearly 40 years during the times when Manifest Destiny sought her fortune within the lands of the Sioux . (Harbaugh, P., 1982)
Sitting Bull 'Tatanka Iyotanka' (1834-1890). Having been civilized by two years of subjugation and stripped of his tribal authority by the white man, Sitting Bull remained the sentinel to which the traditional Sioux clang, resulting in his death as the Ghost Dance passed. (Harbaugh, P., 1982)
Following the travesty at Wounded Knee and the killing of Sitting Bull, Bull's followers and family found themselves outcasts within their own tribe as others feared the possible repercussions for collaborating with those who had refused to submit to the white man. This photograph shows one of the few ways Bull's family could now find to support themselves, a form of degrading prostitution performed before the camera. Bull's two surviving widows have cut their hair short as an expression of sorrow and grief in his death. (Harbaugh, P., 1982)
Dimensions
23 X 18.5 cm
Size Overall
51 X 41 cm
Medium
Black and white photograph
Condition
"Severe bowing back of both vertical edges away from mat. The tension holders on the back, which keep the back board snug, are coming loose."
Heavy accretion of dirt and smudges all over surface. Several water stains in areas BL, BR, TR, and just to the TR of center. Frame and canvas are skewed so that they are no longer square.
Sitting Bull made only one tour with the Wild West Show, declining other invitations feeling his presence was needed by his followers at the Standing Rock Agency. This photograph was known to have been taken by David Notman, son of the premier Canadian photographer William Notman, during the summer of 1885. Barry likely obtained this copy of the negative from Notman himself. (Harbaugh, P., 1982)
Dimensions
15 X 10.5 cm
Size Overall
51 X 41 cm
Medium
Black and white photograph
Condition
Severe bowing back of both vertical edges away from mat.
Some accretion in lower areas of painting, especially BR which has split liquid residue. Light dusting of white particles, probably lint accumulation, all over surface. Backing paper has a couple of rips in center from hanging the picture.
