On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Mató-Tópe, Mandan Chief
Karl Bodmer Swiss
Not on view
Mató-Tópe, the celebrated Mandan war chief, lived two centuries ago. His legacy and exploits are still spoken of today. His life is a source of pride and inspiration to his descendants, personifying the Mandan people. His portraits display his spirituality, bravery, and leadership. Less obvious in the images is his great love of family, generosity, and worldliness. He believed his way of life was worth fighting for. His descendants aspire to do the same. Family stories tell us Mató-Tópe did not die at his village during the smallpox outbreak, but rather that he recovered enough to ride off, never to be seen again. His descendants thank him and honor him by retelling his stories. We believe he lives on in all of us.
—David S. Christensen
(Mandan/Hidatsa)
Grandchild of Mató-Tópe
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