Show Indians, or Wild West Show Indians, is a term for Native American performers hired by Wild West shows, most notably in Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders.
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15 Facts About Show Indians
2.
Phrase "Show Indians" likely originated among newspaper reporters and editorial writers as early as 1891.
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3.
Personnel refer to Indians employed in Wild West shows and other exhibitions using the phrase "Show Indian, " thereby indicating a form of professional status.
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5.
Show Indians's employment represented a shift to Lakota as the preferred Show Indian.
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7.
The logic of the reformers insisted that once Show Indians adopted new lifestyles, they would progress to a level approximating civilization.
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8.
In 1890, Show Indians named "No Neck" and "Black Heart" testified in an inquiry before the Office of Indian Affairs.
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9.
Show Indians worked in a show that fed him well; "that is why I am getting so fat, " he said, stroking his cheeks.
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11.
Show Indians were allowed to wear traditional clothing then forbidden on the reservation, and lived in the Wild West's tipi "village", weather permitting, where visitors would stroll and meet performers.
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13.
The number of police chosen depended on the number of Indians traveling with the show each season, a usual ration being one policeman for every dozen Indians.
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14.
Show Indians appeared with his fine regalia as the lead with Buffalo Bill at the Champs-Elysees in Paris, France, and the Colosseum of Rome.
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15.
McCowan discouraged Indians he did not consider educated from speaking or attending the Congress of Indian Educators and distanced himself from anyone who worked in Wild West shows.
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