Ka-ta-wa-be-da, a Chippeway Chief

Art Historical Context

"Ka-ta-wa-be-da, a Chippeway Chief is a striking lithographic print by John T., a prominent 19th-century American lithographer known for his detailed reproductions of portraits. Captured in the graphic arts medium, this undated work from the Smithsonian American Art Museum collection depicts Ka-ta-wa-be-da, a leader of the Chippewa (Ojibwe) people, showcasing his dignified presence and traditional attire. Bowen's precise technique in lithography allowed for high-fidelity prints that brought Native American portraits to wide audiences. Created during a pivotal era of U.S. expansion westward, when interactions between Native nations and settlers intensified, this print likely draws from the influential "History of the Indian Tribes of North America" series by Thomas McKenney and James Hall. Such works documented prominent Indigenous leaders before widespread displacement, preserving visual records amid policies like the Indian Removal Act. Today, it holds cultural significance as a window into Chippewa heritage, highlighting the chief's regalia and status. Acquired through the museum's Director's Discretionary Fund, it reminds visitors of the artistry in early American printmaking and the enduring legacy of Native diplomacy and resilience. (198 words)

About the Artist

John T. Bowen (American|American, born Haiti|American|American) · 1790 |1785 |1801 |1800 –1874 |1851 |1856 |1900

American, 1790–1874|American (born Haiti), Les Cayes (Saint-Domingue) 1785–1851 New York|American, ca. 1801–?1856|New York, NY