Unidentified Figure

Description

Inscriptions on two of these three sketches identify the subjects as Assiniboin and Piegan (Plate 332), and as "Dacota" (Sioux) and Piegan (Plate 333). The central figure in Plate 332 is further identified as "Tassaga," which could be a transcription error for "Stassagä," an Assiniboin chief met near Fort Union in 1833. Other than that, none of the figures appear to correspond with information in Maximilian's diaries or with the published aquatints. The cradle at the bottom of Plate 332 corresponds in appearance to Maximilian's description of Mandan cradles: leather bags hung from the house beams with leather straps. These were not so "elegant" and "beautiful" as those of the Sioux and Assiniboins.