Wáh-Pa-Ko-Lás-Kuk, Bear's Track
1835
George Catlin traveled deep into the American frontier in the 1830s with a singular mission: to paint Native American tribes before their traditional ways vanished forever. In this striking portrait, the warrior Wáh-Pa-Ko-Lás-Kuk, or 'Bear's Track,' stands in proud profile, his skin painted a vibrant red and adorned with an elaborate array of eagle feathers. He grips a large, feather-fringed shield and a tall lance, looking stoically into the distance against a soft, cloudy sky. Catlin's detailed, realistic style captures not just the physical appearance, but the dignity and intricate regalia of the Plains Indians he so admired.
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