Standing Bear (Mató Nájin) facts for kids
Standing Bear (whose Lakota name was Mató Nájin) was a brave Minneconjou Lakota man. He was also known as Stephen Standing Bear. He is most famous for his amazing artwork, especially the pictures he drew for the 1932 book Black Elk Speaks.
Standing Bear's Early Life
Standing Bear was born in 1859. When he was only four years old, his father passed away. He grew up living with his mother, sister, grandparents, and uncle. As a young man, he took part in important events for his people. He attended a special ceremony called the Sun Dance just before the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Life and Family
In 1890, a very sad event happened called the Wounded Knee Massacre. Standing Bear's wife and baby daughter died during this tragic event. At that time, he was traveling in Vienna, Austria, with Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. While on tour, he met a woman named Louise, who he later married. Louise and her family later moved to the United States and lived on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Their marriage, being between different cultures, faced some challenges.
His Legacy and Art
Standing Bear passed away in 1933. His artistic talent and spirit live on through his family. The well-known artist Arthur Amiotte is one of his great-grandsons, continuing the family's connection to art and their Lakota heritage. Standing Bear's illustrations in Black Elk Speaks helped many people understand the Lakota way of life and their history.
