Buffalo Bull's Back Fat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Buffalo Bull's Back Fat
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Stu-mick-o-súcks | |
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Blood leader | |
Buffalo Bull's Back Fat, or Stu-mick-o-súcks (in the Blackfoot language), was an important war chief of the Blood Indians. He is best known today because of his portrait. This painting was created by the famous artist George Catlin in 1832. You can find the original painting at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Contents
Who Was Buffalo Bull's Back Fat?
Buffalo Bull's Back Fat was a respected leader among the Blood people. The Blood Indians are part of the larger Blackfoot Confederacy. His name, Stu-mick-o-súcks, means "the buffalo's back fat." This refers to the most delicious and valued part of a buffalo. It shows how important and respected he was.
His Famous Portrait
In 1832, the artist George Catlin traveled through North America. He painted many portraits of Native American leaders. Catlin met Buffalo Bull's Back Fat and painted his picture. This painting helps us remember what this important chief looked like.
Catlin described the chief as a "dignified Indian" about 50 years old. He was dressed in amazing clothes. While Catlin painted, other warriors and even enemies watched. They shared stories of battles they had fought.
What He Wore
The chief's clothing was very special. He wore a shirt made from two finely prepared deerskins. These skins were sewn together to form a tunic. The seams on his arms were covered with beautiful embroidery. This embroidery was made from colorful porcupine quills.
In his hand, the chief held a long and beautiful pipe. The pipe's stem was about four or five feet long. It was also decorated with braids of porcupine quills. The bowl of the pipe was carved by the chief himself. It was made from a red stone called steatite. This stone was found near the Falls of St. Anthony on the Mississippi River.
Where the Painting Was Shown
Buffalo Bull's Back Fat's portrait has been displayed in important places. In 1989, it was part of an exhibit called Pictures from the New World. This show was held at the Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin, Germany.
See also
In Spanish: Buffalo Bull's Back Fat para niños