N-Che-Askwe, Chief of the Coeur d'Alenes 1891 - 1906

Olin Levi Warner created this bronze medal, N-Che-Askwe, Chief of the Coeur d'Alenes, in 1891. The medal portrays a profile of Chief N-Che-Askwe, a leader of the Coeur d'Alene tribe, set against a plain background with inscriptions of his name and title. This artwork reflects a broader cultural interest in depicting Native American leaders, but it simultaneously raises questions about representation and power dynamics during a period of westward expansion and displacement of indigenous peoples. The choice of bronze, a material often associated with commemorative and historical works, suggests an attempt to preserve the image and legacy of Chief N-Che-Askwe. However, such artistic endeavors often occurred within institutional frameworks that were shaped by colonial perspectives. Understanding the historical context and the artist's motivations requires consulting archives, ethnographic studies, and indigenous sources. By doing so, we can better interpret the complex layers of meaning embedded in this portrait medal.