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

This is a remarkable lithographic portrait of "Yaha-Hajo: A Seminole Chief," from McKenney and Hall’s three-volume work, Indian Tribes of North America. Yaha-Hajo, which translates to "Mad Wolf" in the Muscogee language, was the second principal war chief of the Seminole nation. He wavered between the pro-American faction and Micanopy, who fought against the forced relocation to western Indian Territory. He ultimately aligned with Chief Micanopy and was killed by a Dragoon patrol on the banks of the Oklawaha River. This portrait depicts Yaha-Hajo wearing a blue and red striped Seminole garment, a piece of cloth tied around his head with a red feather, and a decorative silver medallion. The lithographed portrait was drawn by Alfred M. Hoffy, after the original painting by Charles Bird King. It was printed and colored by J. T. Bowen’s Lithographic Establishment in Philadelphia and was published by Daniel Rice & James G. Clark, 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. McKenney and Hall saw their work as a way of preserving an accurate visual record of what they feared was a rapidly disappearing culture. Their epic book was published in three volumes, from 1836 to 1844.

CONDITION:

Near fine condition. Original lithograph, with hand coloring. Paper is healthy and bright, with only few foxing marks and light fading to beginning of text line at bottom. Published by Daniel Rice & James G. Clark, Philadelphia. 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 3/4” D. 

REF: AHCPS 101:42. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.