Candid outdoor silver gelatin photograph of Oglala Lakota Chief Iron Tail (Siŋté Máza). N.p., ca 1915. 7 x 5 in. Unmounted. Numbered "259" to lower left.

Provenance: Harrison H. Gunning (see Lot 251).

An iconic view of Oglala Lakota Chief Iron Tail (Siŋté Máza, ca 1842-1916) in full regalia with feathered war bonnet, cranking the engine of a car. One of the most internationally famous Native Americans at the turn of the 19th century, Chief Iron Tail was a lead performer in Buffalo Bill's traveling extravaganzas. He is best known today, however, for being on the "Buffalo Nickle" (shown in profile) circulated between 1913 and 1938.

This original photograph was kept by Harrison H. Gunning, an advertising agent who toured with the Buffalo Bill Wild West and Barnum & Bailey's Circus throughout Europe in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Please see the preceding lot for more material related to Buffalo Bill Wild West and Barnum & Bailey's Circus that was preserved by Harrison H. Gunning.




[Wild West Shows, Circuses, Entertainment, Carnivals, Native American, Wild West, Buffalo Bill, Early Photography, Daguerreotype, Albumen, CDV, Carte de Visite, Cabinet Card, Boudoir Card, Tintype, Ambrotype]