Archive of Material from F.E. Thompson and John Two Guns White Calf (1872-1934)

Item Details

Provenance: From the archive of F.E. Thompson and thence by descent to his niece, thence by descent through the family. F. E. Thompson and John Two Guns White Calf (1872-1934), the last Chief of the Piegan Blackfeet became close during Thompson’s work on the reservation. Thompson was made an adopted Chief (‘Ascesto’) thanks to his charitable work.

The archive inclusive of:
A silver gelatin photograph of Thompson and Two Guns White Calf, inscibed beneath each sitter and signed by Two Guns with his remarque upper left.

A large format silver gelatin photograph with Thompson central, flanked 6 Chiefs, sharing a peace pipe, and each Chief with an inscribed symbol near them.

A broadside from the 1920s, telling of an upcoming talk by Mr. Thompson in Columbus.

An interesting note, describing items gifted to Thompson. It reads the following: ‘This Princess Ma-Chee-wa-na-chee. This belongs to Chief Ascesto made chief in 1924/ Blackfoot Reservation/ Glacier National Park, Montana./ The noise maker is made of buffalo toes/ The beads are made of sweet smelling root. The odor never leaves. The one chain is eagle claws … is a sacred chain made of the front foot of the buffalo. Is not worn while living. The Ketchall was given if you are a member of the Brave Heart. Means one who has never run from a enemy. The ancient Indian way of tanning. They knead the animal fat from the leather with their teeth. The sole was made by a bag and beating with a club.’

A small hide painting, purportedly telling the story of Two Guns White Calf.

Another hide painting, pictorial story.

Condition

- some tattering and spotting to the hides, letters and photographs.

Dimensions

- measures the hide ascribed to Two Guns White Calf’s life story.

Item #

ITMGF49478