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Object Number
41-72-10/99968.791
Display Title
Portrait of Debwewetang
Descriptions
Object Description
Debwewetang was from Zagaakwaandagowininiwag (Bois Forte Reservation) in northern Minnesota. He was a sixth-degree member of the Mite’iwin, the Grand Medicine society of the Anishinaabe people. In this portrait, Debwewetang sits squarely before the camera wearing the Indian Peace Medal of President James Buchanan, and strings of dentalium shells and trade beads. In his right hand, he carries an eagle fan decorated with floral beadwork on black fabric, echoing the decoration of the makizinan displayed here. A leader, evinced by the high-status regalia he wears from both Anishinaabe and settler traditions, Debwewetang represented his people on diplomatic missions to Washington DC where he sat for this portrait and also recorded songs of the Mite’iwin for the anthropologist Frances Densmore.
Department
Photographic
Date
February 1901
Artist
DeLancey Gill
Culture
- Anishinaabe
Materials
Print, black and white
Dimensions
Overall: 15.24 x 20.32 cm (6 x 8 in.)
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