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Post by usscairo on Feb 12, 2003 14:15:40 GMT -5
I was wondering if any one has an idea on war paint the Sauks, Foxes and or the Winnebago's would have decorated them selfs.
I've seen paintings of Black Hawk with red starting on the forehead and going back to the top of the skull.
And only reds and blacks ive seen used.
Any other colors?
Matt K.
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Post by Robert Braun on Feb 12, 2003 15:26:09 GMT -5
Matt... the "red" you mention in conjunction with Black Hawk is actually a hair roach, apparently a common item of male adornment, if accounts and the 1837 Charles B. King painting can be believed. Here's the King painting:  One painting shows BH with two dark spots painted on his forehead. I will leave the significance of this decoration to wiser commentators. In addition, Catlin's renditions show numerous designs and colors. A black "hand" shape painted on the chest, face, or over the mouth appears to be common. I am aware that colors and designs have specific meaning to the wearer, but what the precise significance of the different designs are in the Sauk, Fox, Winnebago or Potowattomie experiece I do not know. Bob. |
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Post by Jim Hart on Feb 18, 2003 23:11:25 GMT -5
Hello all, cool board.....anyhow to the subject of warpaint.From Thomas Forsyth's memoirs "they paint their faces red with vermillion, green with verdigrease and black with charcoal, their prevailing color is red, except before or after coming from war, after returning from war they divest themselves of all their ornaments , wear dirt on their heads, and refrain from using vermillion for one year." Another thought on paint, within the Sauks all warriors belonged to one of two bands, Oshcushes or Keeskoquis (there are numerous spellings) the paint for the Oshcushes is black(Black Hawk was a Oshcush) the paint for the Keesoquis is white (Keokuck was a Keesoquis). Forsyths memoirs are from the year 1827 and deal directly with the Sauk and Mesquakie. Hope this helps
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Post by pshrake on Feb 18, 2003 23:54:32 GMT -5
Another possible source that might help would be the ingravings by J.O. Lewis. Lewis did a series of images relating to Wisconsin Indians including the Winnebago he also did lithographs of the councils at Buttes des Morts in 1827 and Prairie du Chien in 1825.
Though I have never seen a complete collection of his work (I am embarrassed to admit that I have not made a complete search of the States collections) I do know that the Old Indian Agency House in Portage does sell 4 prints of Winnebago Chiefs. The Portage prints are black and white, so they do not show any color but they do show the patterns they painted. I believe, however, that the originals are in color.
So in short, I would reccomend, a search for the lithographic works of J.O. Lewis.
Pete
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Post by Robert Braun on Feb 19, 2003 8:56:51 GMT -5
Hello Jim, and welcome to the Black Hawk War board! We're glad to have you! ...And thanks for posting! The information you provided is fantastic! Also check out our Old Lead Region Historical Society website at www.geocities.com/old_lead/Your comments and suggestions are welcome! Bob Braun Moderator. |
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