Knife River Earthlodge Virtual Tour
Four Bears' Robe
NPS Photograph
Painted, brain tanned buffalo robes, depicting a warrior’s bravery and victories in battle, were often worn during special occasions. Unpainted robes were worn for everyday use. In 1837, traveler and explorer Adolph Lorenz Schoch received a robe painted by the great Mandan chief Four Bears, similar to the one pictured here. The illustrations on the robe tell of Four Bears’ many war exploits. The hairlocks symbolize scalps Four Bears took during many of his battles.
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Restart Tour | Place of Honor | Living Area | Cache Pit | Knife River Welcome