Karl Bodmer (1809 - 1893), artist
Louis Rene Lucien Rollet (1809 - 1862), engraver
Pehriska-Ruhpa, Moennitari Warrior in the Costume of the Dog Dance

Pehriska-Ruhpa was a Moennitari (or Hidatsa) leader, whom Bodmer and Prince Maximilian of Wied, a German principality, met when they stayed at Fort Clark in the winter of 1834. Bodmer painted a watercolor sketch of Pehriska-Ruhpa in his Dog Dance clothing, then at a later time prepared the image for engraving and posed the figure to show a dance posture. Because Bodmer was an eyewitness, his works are often cited for their authentic portrayals. Ethnologists today continue to value this image for the sharp focus realism and striking example of Indian portraiture.

drawn ca. 1834, engraved 1840-43, engraving and aquatint (hand colored)
Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Gift of Clara S. Peck, acc. 21.69.23

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