Shawwanossoway or "One with His Face towards the West"

Artist Paul Kane (Canadian, 1810 - 1871)

Date1845

Mediumoil on paper

Dimensions12 1/4 x 9 3/4 inches (31.1 x 24.8 cm)

Credit LineBequest of H.J. Lutcher Stark, 1965

Object number31.78.165

ClassificationsPaintings

Label Text"Among the numerous Indians assembled here, was one that particularly attracted my attention from his venerable and dignified appearance. In reply to my inquiry, as to who he was, I learned that he was called Shawwanossoway, or 'One with his Face towards the West,' and that he was a great medicine-man, skilled in the past, present and future. As I happened to lose, some days previously, some articles from my tent, I resolved, for the sake of an introduction, and the gratification of my curiosity, to apply to the seer. On laying my case before him, he told me that his power was of no avail wherever the pale faces were concerned...." Kane, Wanderings, Chapter I

ProvenanceArtist; by descent to his grandson, Paul Kane III [1889-1958], Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; purchased September 17, 1957 through (Edward Eberstadt & Sons, New York, New York) by H.J. Lutcher Stark [1887-1965]; bequeathed September 2, 1965 to the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art

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