Missouri Indian, Oto Indian, Chief of the Puncas, from Travels in the Interior of North America, 1839-1843
Aquatint engraving
Ackermann & Co., London
Greenslade Special Collections
Olin and Chalmers Libraries
Kenyon College

In a fine example of the noble savage, Bodmer emphasizes their facial and muscular appearances, while calling attention to the detail in their clothing. The three men are shown looking into the distance with a certain air of nobility. Bodmer records his subjects' foreheads in profile, reflecting nineteenth century views which likened a generous forehead with intelligence and wisdom. Note the Andrew Jackson peace medal around the neck of the Chief of the Puncas. These medals were worn by chiefs as emblems of influence or conduits of spirit power, and also may have been worn to show a positive relationship between whites and Indians.