Mah To Toh Pa Collection

BODMER: MANDAN CHIEF. Mah-to-toh-pa, or Four Bears. Watercolor, 1832-34, by Karl Bodmer

Mah-to-toh-pa, The Four Bears, 2nd Chief Of The Mandans (aquatint)
3105367 Mah-to-toh-pa, The Four Bears, 2nd Chief Of The Mandans (aquatint) by Catlin, George (1796-1872) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mah-to-toh-pa, The Four Bears)

Facsimile of the Robe of Mah-to-toh-pa - Mandan, 1861 / 1869. Creator: George Catlin
Facsimile of the Robe of Mah-to-toh-pa - Mandan, 1861/1869. Fourteen successful battles

Catlin Feasted by the Mandan Chief, 1861 / 1869. Creator: George Catlin
Catlin Feasted by the Mandan Chief, 1861/1869. The chief, by custom does not eats with his guest, but sits, waiting upon him

Catlin Painting the Portrait of Mah-to-toh-pa - Mandan, 1861 / 1869. Creator: George Catlin
Catlin Painting the Portrait of Mah-to-toh-pa - Mandan, 1861/1869

Mandan War Chief with His Favorite Wife, 1861 / 1869. Creator: George Catlin
Mandan War Chief with His Favorite Wife, 1861/1869. Mah-to-toh-pa (chief) with My-neek-e-sunk-te-ca (wife)

Exploits of Four Bears, Native American warrior, 1841. Artist: Myers and Co
Exploits of Four Bears, Native American warrior, 1841. Scenes depicting the killing of a Cheyenne chief, battling the Assinneboines, killing two Ojibbeway women, and battling the Sioux

CATLIN: MANDAN CHIEF, 1832. Mah-to-toh-pa, or Four Bears, a Mandan chief. Oil on canvas by George Catlin, 1832

CATLIN: MANDAN CHIEF, c1832. Mah-to-toh-pa, or Four Bears, chief of the Missouri River Mandans. Painting by George Catlin, c1832

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Mah-to-toh-pa, also known as Four Bears, was a prominent Mandan chief during the early 19th century. His leadership and influence extended beyond his tribe, making him a significant figure in the complex web of relationships between Native American communities and European explorers. Bodmer's watercolor painting from 1832-34 captures Mah-to-toh-pa's regal presence, adorned in traditional attire. The intricate design on his robe, as depicted in a facsimile from 1861/1869, highlights the artistic skill and cultural significance of the Mandan people. George Catlin's portraits from the late 1800s provide a glimpse into Mah-to-toh-pa's personal life, showing him with his favorite wife and in the act of painting his own portrait. These depictions offer a more intimate look at the man behind the title of chief. Mah-to-toh-pa's exploits were also immortalized in various works of art, such as Myers and Co's 1841 lithograph and Harris' 1848 painting. These visual records serve as testament to the enduring legacy of this Native American warrior and leader. Despite the passage of time and the many changes that came with European contact, Mah-to-toh-pa's story continues to resonate, reminding us of the rich history and complexities of the Native American experience.