Sheheke (Big White), Mandan Chief

This profile portrait depicts Chief Sheheke (Shahaka), also known as Big White, the Mandan chief who agreed to travel to Washington, D.C. with Lewis and Clark on their return journey in 1806. Saint-Mémin captured his likeness during the chief’s extended stay in the capital, where he met President Jefferson. Sheheke’s journey to Washington and difficult return to his village became one of the most complicated diplomatic episodes stemming from the expedition.