McKenney and Hall, 1836-1844 - OKEE-MAKEE-QUID. A CHIPPEWAY CHIEF., from History of the Indian Tribes of North - ca. 1838 - T-Shirt

This hand-colored lithograph presents Okee-Makee-Quid, a Chippeway chief, as a full-length standing figure in formal portrait.

Visual Elements & Composition

The chief fills a tall, vertical plate, with his body running nearly its full height. Cream paper dominates the background, while dark brown tones the blanket cloak that falls around his shoulders. Navy and red pick out the beaded leggings, moccasins, and headband, and white feathers rise from the beaded war bonnet. He holds a pipe tomahawk in one hand, and a carved, animal-headed bag hangs at his side. A caption block sits at the base of the plate, reading A CHIPPEWAY CHIEF. with the chief's name above it.

Meaning & Symbolism

The regalia carries the record of rank. The war bonnet, pipe tomahawk, and decorated pouch are the marks of a leader, and the full-length pose gives him the dignity usually reserved for formal sitters. The image comes from History of the Indian Tribes of North America, published by Thomas McKenney and James Hall between 1836 and 1844. The portraits were painted from life by Charles Bird King, who worked from delegates visiting Washington, D.C., and were then reproduced as hand-colored lithographs for a wide readership. McKenney, then head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, led the project to preserve these leaders' likenesses while their nations faced removal and assimilation policies.

On the Unisex Heavy Cotton Tee

A tall, upright plate suits the front of a tee, where the chief stands centred on the chest and reads clearly at conversation distance. The caption block lands low on the shirt, so the name and tribal identification stay legible when the shirt is worn. The design keeps the original portrait's scale and composition, asking the viewer to look at the man and his regalia rather than at a decorative motif.