Hoowanneka (Little Elk), Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) 1828

Editor: This is Charles Bird King's portrait of Hoowanneka, or Little Elk, of the Ho-Chunk Nation. The detail is impressive, but I can't help but feel like I'm looking at someone who's been put on display. What's your take? Curator: I agree. King's paintings, while visually arresting, participate in a complex history of representing Indigenous peoples. It's critical to consider how these portraits were often commissioned by the U.S. government, functioning as tools for documenting and, in a way, possessing Indigenous identity. How does that make you feel when viewing the work? Editor: That adds a layer of discomfort, knowing it could be a form of cultural appropriation. Curator: Exactly. The medals Hoowanneka wears, likely given by the government, symbolize a fraught exchange. This is not just a portrait; it's a document of power dynamics and cultural negotiation. Editor: So, appreciating the artistry also means acknowledging the problematic context in which it was created. Thanks, that's really insightful. Curator: Precisely. By grappling with these complexities, we can engage with the artwork in a more informed and meaningful way.