"Foke-Luste-Hajo, A Seminole" Hand-colored Lithograph by Thomas L. McKenney and James Hall, Folio Edition, 1842

This is a remarkable lithographic portrait of "Foke-Luste-Hajo, A Seminole," from McKenney and Hall’s three-volume work, Indian Tribes of North America. Often referred to by the English name "Black Dirt," Foke-Luste-Hajo was an important chief among the Seminole, and among those who signed the 1833 Treaty of Payne’s Landing, which ceded Seminole land to the government. He led his people along the Seminole “Trail of Tears” to Oklahoma in 1836; as such, his name became associated with the early “Black Dirt” settlement there. The portrait depicts Foke-Luste-Hajo wearing a blue shirt with distinctive red, blue, and white shoulder embellishments, red handkerchief, a scarlet feathered turban, and an Andrew Jackson Presidential Peace Medal. The lithographed portrait was drawn after Henry Inman’s copy of the original painting by Charles Bird King. It was printed and colored and published by J.T. Bowen’s Lithographic Establishment in Philadelphia in 1842.

Indian Tribes of North America has long been celebrated for its faithful and conscientious portraits of Native Americans. The lithographs in the book are based on paintings by the renowned artist Charles Bird King. The War Department employed King to paint the Indian delegates visiting Washington, forming the basis of the War Department's Indian Gallery. Most of King's original paintings were subsequently destroyed in a fire at the Smithsonian. As such, their appearance in McKenney and Hall's magnificent work is our only record of the likenesses of many of the most prominent nineteenth century Native American leaders.

Thomas McKenney spent six years as the Superintendent of Indian Trade. During his tenure he became increasingly concerned for the survival of the Western tribes. McKenney observed calculating individuals take advantage of the Native Americans for profit and his vocal warnings about their future prompted President Monroe to appoint McKenney to the Office of Indian Affairs. As the first director, McKenney was tasked to improve the administration of Indian programs across various government offices.

In the summer of 1829, McKenney took his first trip to Lake Superior for a treaty with the Chippewa, opening mineral rights on their land. In 1827, he journeyed west again for a treaty with the Chippewa, Menominee, and Winnebago in the present state of Michigan. His journeys provided an unparalleled opportunity to acquaint himself with Native American tribes and leaders. When President Jackson dismissed him from his government post in 1830, McKenney was able to turn more of his attention to his grand publishing project, the Indian Tribes of North America. Within a few years, James Hall, a lawyer who had written extensively about the West, joined him. Their epic book was published in three volumes, from 1836 to 1844. McKenney and Hall saw their work as a way of preserving an accurate visual record of what they feared was a rapidly disappearing culture

CONDITION:

Near fine condition. Original lithograph, with hand coloring. Paper is healthy and bright, with only few foxing marks and light fading. Published by J. T. Bowen, Philadelphia. Drawn, printed and colored by J.T. Bowen’s Lithographic Establishment no. 94 Walnut St. Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1842 by J.T. Bowen in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 

The lithograph is framed in a custom gold wooden frame with acid-free mats and plexiglas.

Framed Dimensions: 27" H x 21" W x 1" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.