The artist with "Chief Joseph" painting, 5'x7'
In 1890, Joseph was Chief of the Nez Perce, the "people of the horse."
The Nez Perce had a trail to Mexico and the ocean, which could be traversed in 2 days.
They used it to trade furs and shells.
Chief Joseph's earrings are made of abalone and black pearls.
Each necklace is made of puka shells or deer bone and has a "pony bead" in the center.
How many beads were worn denoted how powerful the chief was.
The top strand of beads is metallic; on each side is a strand of coral.
Chief Joseph's braids are wrapped in otter fur and tied with rolled ermine strips.
Only the chiefs could wear ermine.
Long strands of twirled white-tanned buckskin hang on the sides.
The white shirt of the period didn't have a collar; the collar could be buttoned on if desired.
A Hudson Bay blanket drapes over his shoulder.
"Chief Joseph" installed