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.
Péhriska-Rúhpa, Hidatsa Man
Karl Bodmer Swiss
Not on view
This painting of Péhriska-Rúhpa (Two Ravens) not only shows his importance, but also gives a great example of the style of clothing men of this nation would acquire and wear. As a "headsmen" of the male society, he either had the best clothing articles made by one of his wives (who were often sisters) or traded for them. You can see the pride, determination, and leadership in Péhriska-Rúhpa’s stance. He carries a pipe that is most likely in two parts, a stem and a pipe with lead inlays. The extra-long stem symbolizes the pipe’s importance and has decorative human and horse hair attached, as well as flattened porcupine quills. Every item he wears is a symbol of who he is, from the eagle feather in his hair, which speaks to his war deeds, to his beaded moccasins.
—Gerard Baker, Yellow Wolf
(Mandan/Hidatsa)
Assistant Director, American Indian Relations, National Park Service (retired)
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