Íhkas-Kínne, Siksika Blackfeet Chief

Description

In late August Bodmer sketched this lean Siksika chief at Fort McKenzie. A daring and able warrior, Íhkas-Kínne had reputedly once single-handedly recaptured the fort's herd of horses, which had been stolen either by Bloods or by another band of Siksikas. The garment Íhkas-Kínne wears across his shoulders is made of otter pelts, profusely decorated with pieces of irridescent shell, probably abalone, plus bright metal buttons and two curved metallic bands, possibly gorgets. The pelts appear to be lined with red cloth and are fringed with quill-wrapped locks of hair. Maximilian was told that this man also owned a shirt sewn all over with mirror fragments.