Flies Above, North American Chief, from the Savage and Semi-Barbarous Chiefs and Rulers series (N189) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1888

This lithograph by William S. Kimball & Co. depicts Flies Above, a North American chief, adorned with symbols of status and spiritual power. Note the elaborate headdress, with feathers and buffalo horns, signifying his connection to the animal world and his achievements. These motifs carry profound cultural weight, echoing across continents and centuries. The feathered headdress can be linked to ritualistic garments in ancient cultures, where feathers symbolized a connection to the divine, much like the wings of angels in Western art. Similarly, horns, often associated with strength and virility, appear in various mythologies, from the Minotaur to depictions of deities. But here, the image also reflects the shadow of the colonizer's gaze, simplifying complex cultural meanings into exotic curiosities. This act of cultural appropriation, fueled by a desire to classify and control, subtly distorts our understanding, revealing the subconscious anxieties and power dynamics inherent in the act of representation itself. And yet, despite this complex history, Flies Above exudes dignity. The eyes are piercing, and the face is defiant, conveying an unwavering sense of self. This image, thus, becomes a powerful reminder of the persistence of cultural memory and the ability of symbols to transcend time, transforming and adapting while retaining their emotional core.