Chief Wi-Jun-Jon | Print | Wisconsin Historical Society

Print

Chief Wi-Jun-Jon

Chief Wi-Jun-Jon | Print | Wisconsin Historical Society
A portrayal of the effects of contact with whites on the Assiniboine chief, Wi-Jun-Jon.<p>(Plate 25). "In offering this illustration to the reader, I am representing to him a faithful delineation of the resemblance of an Assiniboine Warrior, in the flowing and classic costume of his country, as he appeared on his way to the city of Washington, faithfully contrasted with the uncouth plight in which he returned to his tribe the next season, after one year's teaching in the school of civilization: and in the following narrative a faithful account of its melancholy and fatal results. Wi-Jun-jon, the pigeon's Egg Head, was a warrior of the Assiniboine's, young, proud, handsome, valiant, and graceful. He had fought many battles and won many laurels. The numerous scalps from his enemies' heads adorned his dress, and his claims were fair and just for the highest honors that his country could bestow upon him, for his father was head chief of the nation. This young Assiniboine, the Pigeon's Egg Head, was selected by Major Sanford, the Indian agent, to represent his tribe in a delegation which visited Washington city under his charge, in the winter of 1832. With this gentleman the Assiniboine, together with representatives of several others of those North-western tribes, descended the Missouri river several thousand miles on their way to Washington."</p>
DESCRIPTION
A portrayal of the effects of contact with whites on the Assiniboine chief, Wi-Jun-Jon.

(Plate 25). "In offering this illustration to the reader, I am representing to him a faithful delineation of the resemblance of an Assiniboine Warrior, in the flowing and classic costume of his country, as he appeared on his way to the city of Washington, faithfully contrasted with the uncouth plight in which he returned to his tribe the next season, after one year's teaching in the school of civilization: and in the following narrative a faithful account of its melancholy and fatal results. Wi-Jun-jon, the pigeon's Egg Head, was a warrior of the Assiniboine's, young, proud, handsome, valiant, and graceful. He had fought many battles and won many laurels. The numerous scalps from his enemies' heads adorned his dress, and his claims were fair and just for the highest honors that his country could bestow upon him, for his father was head chief of the nation. This young Assiniboine, the Pigeon's Egg Head, was selected by Major Sanford, the Indian agent, to represent his tribe in a delegation which visited Washington city under his charge, in the winter of 1832. With this gentleman the Assiniboine, together with representatives of several others of those North-western tribes, descended the Missouri river several thousand miles on their way to Washington."

RECORD DETAILS
Image ID:23643
Creation Date: 1844
Creator Name:Catlin, George
City:
County:
State:
Collection Name:Rare Books
Genre:Print
Original Format Type:prints, fine-art
Original Format Number:E77 C399 1844
Original Dimensions:16 x 22 inches
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Image source: Catlin, George. Catlin's North American Indian Portfolio. Hunting Scenes and Amusements of the Rocky Mountains and Prairies of America. From Drawings and Notes of the Author, Made during Eight Years' Travel amongst Forty-Eight of the Wildest and Most Remote Tribes of Savages in North America. (London: Geo. Catlin, 1844). This image is also viewable in the American Journeys online edition of "Catlin's North American Indian Portfolio."
SUBJECTS
Indians of North America
Assiniboine Indians
Men
Hats
Umbrellas
Uniforms
Painting
Portraits
Clothing and dress
Weapons
Smoking

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Reference Details
Location:Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin

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