PLATE 177 ATSINA HEAD DRESS 1909 Copper Plate

EDWARD S. CURTIS. Plate 177 Head-Dress - Atsina, 1908. 16x11.75" image on 18x12.75" copper plate. Plate date 1909. From Portfolio 5, Mandan, Arikara and Atsina, of The North American Indian. Engraved on plate recto: Head-Dress - Atsina / From Copyright Photograph 1908 by E.S. Curtis/Photogravure John Andrew & Son

Curtis wrote about Head-Dress: "Born about 1855, near Marias river, Montana. He first took the war-path when twenty years of age, going against the Assiniboin. One woman was killed by his party, but Head-dress gained no honors. A war-party composed of a few Atsina, Apsaroke, and Assiniboin, went westward and found a Flathead camp, which they charged, killing on man; Head-dress was with them, but accomplished nothing. While he and another were scouting in the Piegan country, they found two of the enemy, who took refuge behind a bank. The two Atsina charged and captured both, counting coups on them. While hunting buffalo, the Atsina met a party of Sioux with a band of stolen horses, and, charging them, forced them to abandon their booty. Head-dress captured two horses himself, each with a saddle. He counted a first coup against the Piegan, and while fighting the Sioux he and another struck first coup at the same time. Head-dress has had no visions, nor has he ever fasted, but has the medicine of an eagle down-feather, which was given to him. He married at the age of thirty. Portrait, folio plate 177."
Condition Report: Very Good. Minor scratches, tarnish, dents, abrasions, small dark spots, and ink residue throughout plate surface.