[John Carbutt, photographer]. 306. Peter La Cherre, Head Chief of the Pawnee Indians.  [Chicago, Illinois]: [J. Carbutt], [1866 or 1867]. Series title "Views of the Rocky Mountains And Vicinity" printed to mount recto. Modern pencil inscription to verso identifies the photographer.

A handsome outdoor profile portrait of Grand Pawnee Chief Petalesharo II (1823-1874). Wrapped in a buffalo robe, he wears a beaded necklace and what appears to be a Presidential Peace Medal. The profile view allows the viewer to appreciate the extensive piercings in his ear. He grasps a quirt - short riding whip - with a carved wooden handle and a braided rawhide lash. 

Petalesharo II, also known as Man Chief II (alt. Peter Lasherre, Peter La Cherre, Pitalesharu; 1823-1874), was a Grand Pawnee Chief (Chaui) in Nebraska. In that capacity, he signed the Table Creek Treaty in 1857. When the U.S. Government attempted to violate the agreement and remove the Pawnees from the Agency at Loup Fork, he led the fierce Pawnee opposition. He and his allies were unable to prevail, however, and they were forcibly removed to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). On the way south, he was shot in the leg and succumbed to his wounds. 

Though uncredited on the mount, the image was taken by John Carbutt (1832-1905) and published in his popular "Views of the Rocky Mountains and Vicinity" stereoview series. In addition to his photographic practice, he was a pioneer of film and innovative photographic processes. He is best remembered as the official photographer for the Union Pacific Railroad, publishing a stereoview series Rail Road Excursion to the 100th Meridian. 

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