"BILLY, UTE WARRIOR". c. 1882...

Description

"BILLY, UTE WARRIOR"
c. 1882
"Billy, Ute Warrior, Ouray's Band," (Uncompahgre), by Charles M. Bell, Washington, D.C. Mounted on board, with gilded edges.

The colloquial name, of course, indicates that the photographer neglected to learn the man's Ute title. His wool broadcloth shirt and leggings are decorated with beaded strips. A wool blanket is wrapped around his torso, and he wears beaded moccasins. His tightly-braided hair is wrapped with strips of otter fur. He wears brass earrings, a peace medal and choker necklace of "pigeon's egg" glass beads made in Venice. An ebony walking stick with silver ferrule completes his formal appearance.

Dimensions: image, 9 ¾ x 15 ¾ inches; mount, 10 ½ x 17 inches


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