Qua-Ta-Wa-Pea, a Shawnee: 19th C. Folio Hand-Colored McKenney & Hall Lithograph, 1836

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This is an original 19th century hand-colored folio-sized lithographic portrait of a Native American entitled "Qua-Ta-Wa-Pea, A Shawanoe Chief", from … Read more This is an original 19th century hand-colored folio-sized lithographic portrait of a Native American entitled "Qua-Ta-Wa-Pea, A Shawanoe Chief", from McKenney and Hall's 'History of the Indian Tribes of North America'. It was lithographed by J. T. Bowen after a painting by Charles Bird King and published by E. C. Biddle in Philadelphia in 1836. Quatawapea wears a maroon head covering, a white ruffled shirt and blue shawl with gray trim. His presidential peace medal is attached to a maroon fabric necklace.

Quatawapea (c. 1760-1826), also known as Black Hoof and as John Lewis, Captain Lewis, Colonel Lewis and '''Captain Johnny''', was a Shawnee leader for whom Lewistown, Ohio was named. He was a prominent Shawnee chief who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was born in the Ohio Country in the mid-1700s and rose to become one of the most influential leaders of the Shawnee tribe. Quatawapea was known for his strategic thinking and his ability to negotiate with both Native American and white leaders. Lewis served in the War of 1812 as an American ally. After the war, he signed a number of treaties with the U.S., eventually getting Lewistown recognized as an Indian reservation for his band of Shawnees, along with Senecas also living at Lewistown. Lewis made several trips to Washington, D.C. to meet with U.S. officials, including Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, to promote Shawnee land rights. He was a strong advocate for peace and cooperation between the Shawnee and the United States, and he worked tirelessly to try to maintain a peaceful coexistence between the two groups. However, as tensions between the Shawnee and the United States grew in the late 1700s and early 1800s, Quatawapea's influence began to wane. He was accused by some Shawnee of being too willing to negotiate with the United States, and his attempts to maintain peace were ultimately unsuccessful. Despite these challenges, Quatawapea remained a respected leader among the Shawnee until his death in 1831. His legacy as a skilled negotiator and advocate for peace continues to be remembered today.

This original McKenney and Hall folio-sized beautifully hand-colored lithograph is printed on a sheet measuring 20" high and 14.5" wide. There is minimal very faint spotting, but the print is otherwise in very good condition. The original biographical text pages, 81-82, from McKenney & Hall's 19th century publication are included. They can be mounted in a mylar sleeve on the back of a frame for preservation and viewing. See less