The name of the Native Indian woman in the picture is Sha-kó-ka, Mint, a Pretty Girl, 1832, Mandan Numakiki tribe. The picture of her raises different points of interest which increase knowledge and understanding of Native Indian tribes:

• What materials have been used to make the clothes?

• What ornaments or decorations are being worn?

• What items or accessories is she holding?

• What image does the picture convey?

The title we have given the picture reflects the name of the tribe, for ease of identification.

Description of the Picture
The artist of this painting, George Catlin, wrote the following to accompany this picture:

“A very pretty and modest girl, twelve years of age, with grey hair! peculiar to the Mandans … about one in twelve, of both sexes and of all ages, have … hair of a bright silvery grey, and exceedingly coarse and harsh.”

The Manners, Customs and Conditions of the North American Indians (1832 - 1839)
by George Catlin