The portrait on Pigeon’s Egg head is a depiction of the identity crisis of the Native American in the 19th century.
Catlin’s Pigeon’s Egg Head was an illustration of the political affect Washington had on the Native Americans. Creating two worlds in which they must live in, but never really be apart of. In order to understand it you’d have to look at the time period itself and the politics it held.
In the early part of the 19th century America was on the move much like it has been throughout its life. The American man headed west to the new frontier, to settle new lands, and start new profitable lives. Unfortunately there was a bit of a problem there was already some one there. Natives who had arrived eons before hand already laid claim to the land. So there was only one choice for the European-American settler. Kick them out or get them to assimilate. This brings us to Catlin’s portrayal of Pigeon’s Egg Head.
The Natives were forced to choose one of two worlds the old Native American World that they have live in for ages, or the new modern American world. This was a very though thing to do. Whatever world they choose would affect how the other would perceive them. For example in the portrait you have P.E.H. (Pigeon’s Egg Head) facing two worlds as two different people. While he’s facing Washington, D.C. he’s portrayed as a savage Indian. The perception that most Americans would have of him if he remained in the old ways. As an American gentleman though facing the old world of teepees, he’s portrayed as a drunkard and possibly immoral man. The perception that his native ancestors or relatives might have of him if he choose the modern American lifestyles of the 19th century.
Another twist to this is that it also shows how he would be portrayed if he were to move to the city. To most white American’s he may be portrayed as a savage no matter how much he attempted to assimilate. While to other Native Americans he would be considered a sellout even if he changed very little.
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