Awascho-Dickfas, Hidatsa Man

Description

Awascho-Dickfas ( "Swallow with the White Belly") was reluctant to tell his name to Maximilian; among the Hidatsas and other Plains peoples it was often considered more appropriate to learn someone's name from a third party rather than to inquire directly. He did, however, describe the symbolism of his painted robe. The circular pattern is composed of the tracks and trails of wolves. The central black spot signifies their den. Awascho-Dickfas might have sought to identify himself with the stalking and hunting powers of the wolf, or the figures may be related to his age society, since wolf skins were part of the paraphernalia of at least two Hidatsa men's associations. Awascho-Dickfas's portrait was painted at Fort Clark on March 4, 1834.