1848 Original Hand colored lithograph of Tooan-Tuh, A Cherokee Chief, plate 72, from the octavo edition of McKenney & Hall’s History of the Indian Tribes of North America (TOOANTUH)

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 McKenney & Hall, History of the Indian Tribes of North America,

"Tooan-Tuh, A Cherokee Chief"

Hand-Colored Octavo Lithograph after Charles Bird King, Plate No 72.

 Publ. Rice, Rutter & C. 1848-50

Paper size 10 1/4 x 6 5/8" (26.2 x 16.6 cm). Great condition and color.

This original, hand-colored lithograph comes from the octavo edition of McKenney & Hall’s History of the Indian Tribes of North America, published by Rice, Rutter & Co and the plate number of this lithograph is No 72.

An admirer and supporter of the American Indians, Thomas McKenney spent his tenure in office fighting for their cause and preserving their legacy through a gallery of paintings that were commissioned by various artists. Unfortunately, the original paintings burned in a fire, and all that is left to remember these Indians are the lithographs found in History which were modeled off the paintings.

This print is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction, from History of the Indian Tribes of North America.  It is authentic. Due to its age, it may have slight imperfections such as foxing so, please, examine the octavo carefully to be satisfied, as photos tell better than words.

A full-blooded Cherokee, TOOAN-TUH or Spring Frog was born at the edge of Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee, around 1754. The cabin where he lived has been restored and remains a focal point of a Chattanooga nature preserve named Audubon Acres.

The reference is to Spring Frog’s encounters with John James Audubon, the French artist and naturalist who came to America to chronicle its bird life. Although there was a 30-year difference in their ages, a friendship was said to have developed between the men. Audubon appreciated the insight offered by Native Americans, noting, “Whenever I meet Indians, I feel the greatness of our Creator in all its splendor.”

A renowned sportsman of his time, Spring Frog was celebrated not only for his knowledge of nature, but also for his skills as a hunter and trapper, his prowess as an athlete, his advocacy for peace and his ferocity as a warrior when he felt battle was the only option.