2 albumen photographs, approx. 9 x 7 in., on original 15 x 13 in. cardstock mounts, uncredited but known to have been taken by John K. Hillers. The photographs depict Little Bear, a Cheyenne warrior, also known as, Na-ku-has-kit, wearing a breastplate and holding a bow and quiver, posed among rocks at the Grand Council in Okmulgee, Indian Territory, 10 May 1875. 

In connection with John Wesley Powell's ethnographic survey work, Hillers took a series of photographs at the Grand Council. Accurately documenting his work, he noted, "I found six Cheyenne who had just left the warpath. I took them among the rocks and set them up as food for my camera." His diary records the specific date.

Little Bear fought a brave rearguard action in the face of Colonel John Chivington's troops at Sand Creek on 29 November 1864, and his heroic actions enabled many Cheyenne women and children to escape the massacre. 

Provenance: Ex Kramer Gallery Collection; Cowan's, Historic Americana, 9 June 2005, Lot 1306 (one of the two photographs offered here).