Views of America · 19th century
€ 1 900
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Repaired: Some closed tears in the margins. Age-related toning. Shows wear and soiling. Closed tears in margins. Blank verso. Please study image carefully.
This lithograph represents Sequoyah, also known as George Gist or George Guess, a notable figure in Native American history for his extraordinary achievement as the creator of the Cherokee syllabary, making him a polymath and a neographer. The lithograph is from the "History of the Indian Tribes of North America," based on the work of Charles Bird King, which was published circa 1838.
Sequoyah's creation of the syllabary is a monumental event in the history of the Cherokee Nation and in linguistic development worldwide. Before his work, the Cherokee language was purely oral. With the syllabary, Sequoyah gave the Cherokee people the means to write and preserve their language, which had profound effects on their culture, literacy rates, and ability to maintain their legal and sovereign documents.
In the image, Sequoyah is depicted holding a document that displays characters from the syllabary he invented. His clothing seems to reflect a blend of Cherokee and European influence, which was common during the period due to the interaction between Native American tribes and European settlers. The peace medal worn around his neck indicates that he was recognized and respected by the United States government.
Sequoyah’s portrait communicates an intense intellectual presence, underlining his status as a scholar and thinker of great importance. His legacy continues to be celebrated for the incredible contribution to the cultural preservation and autonomy of the Cherokee Nation.
