This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/12/2024
CHIEF LITTLECREEK (1897 – 1964). Collection of Chief Benjamin Odawa Littlecreek Items. Circa 1940s-50s. Lot includes a large hand-painted leather drum used by Chief Benjamin Odawa Littlecreek during the 1940s-50s. Chief Littlecreek (1897-1964) was a member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa and for many years entertained and educated tourists visiting the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca, Minnesota. Here is an excerpt from the Austin Daily Herald, 1955: “Chief Littlecreek, the colorful Red Lake Reservation Indian, called this week to make preparations for his eighth annual sojourn among the pines at the headwaters of the Mississippi in Itasca State Park. There the Chief will pitch his wigwam the latter part of May and await children of all ages who will be entertained by his tales of Indian deeds... Garbed in full tribal regalia the Chief will, for a small fee, allow you to take his picture. If you are lucky you will just happen along when the old warrior feels the urge to chant the ancient war cries of his forefathers to the sound of a tom-tom.” Drum includes original drumstick and carrying case. Also with two large photographs of Chief Littlecreek in full costume; and two smaller photographs (copies of vintage postcards and depict Littlecreek with his drum); plus a hand-painted sign used to advertise his reenactments. Drum: 22” diameter and 5 ½” deep, not including case. Overall very good with typical wear from use. The painted drum head displays wear to paint.