Eagle of Delight, Hayne Hudjihini

Portrait painter Henry Inman painted a series of portraits of distinguished Native Americans, in preparation for the production of hand-colored lithographs for a major publication by Thomas L. McKenney, The History of the Indian Tribes of North America (1836-44). They had originally been painted from life by Charles Bird King when they were welcomed to Washington by the U.S. government and greeted by President James Monroe in 1821-22. Pes-Ke-Cha-Co, the chief of the Pawnees, who wears a silver peace medal, is presented by Inman as a strong youthful and noble leader. The rare portrait of a Native American woman, Hayne Hudjihini, Eagle of Delight, who was the wife of Chief Shaumonekusse, second chief of the Oto tribe, and representing the Siouan family, emphasizes her youthful beauty and modesty. She is adorned with earrings, necklaces, and a silver bracelet.

Credit: Gift of Gerald and Kathleen Peters, 2018