Káma-Kapúska! Making Marks in Indian Country, 1833–34Main MenuScholarly ArticleWied-Neuwied’s Journal PagesA Sample ExhibitionNumak'aki Persons and ThemesProject NarrativeSourcesKristine K. Ronan866e3f0d78e6d37c93d7b8ddc8a882dd7a5e8029
Pachtüwa-Chtä was a Sahnish (Arikara) warrior and friend of Mató-Tópe, who visited the Fort Clark studio over four days to have his portrait painted. He also commissioned the drawing of a bear from Maximilian zu Wied-Neuwied and Karl Bodmer, and the next day brought a decorated feather in exchange.[1] The relationship between Sahnish and Awatíkihu (Five Villages) peoples had a long history, alternating between friendship and war.[2] Mató-Tópe’s friendship with Pachtüwa-Chtä suggests that a potential alliance or peace existed between the Awatíkihu and Sahnish peoples in early 1834.