Piäh-Sukah-Ketutt, Cree Man

Description

This man, whose name means "Speaking Thunder," was a hunter for the fur company at Fort Union; his portrait was painted there in October, 1833. He had a curious object found near the Milk River which appearfd to Maximilian to be the fossilized tooth of an elephant like mammal. From the Indian's description more bones remained at the site, and the scientist regretted not having the time to make the journey there to examine them. On the young man's breast is a large, silvery, medallionlike object. Speaking Thunder is also wearing a bear claw necklace and is known to have sold Maximilian a set or "outfit" of bear claws. The latter may be the same "neckband" of bear claws later given by Maximilian to the famous Mandan chief Mató-Tópe along with otterskin, beads, and the request that the chief fashion from these one of the splendid necklaces so typical of the Upper Missouri people. The finished necklace is now in the collection of the Linden Museum in Stuttgart.