Pahka Pahtahnak (5 Frogs) by Mario Rabago

Nez Perce artist. Acrylic on board; 16" x 20". Pahka Pahtahnak son of Palouse Chief Hahtalekin never used a gun but was good with the hunting bow. At the Battle of Big Hole, Montana he was shooting arrows from his teepee when he was shot and killed by US soldiers. Mario Rabago - Self taught, he lived on the Nez Perce Reservation at Lapawai, Idaho most of his life. He learned the stories of the Nez Perce direct from the "old men" at the sweat house, "the Nez Perce are my best friends. . .The only thing I paint are Indians and historical events always related to the US Army and the Indians which I know very well and try to be accurate. If I had to choose somebody who influenced me, I'd have to say Ace Powell. Although I use acrylics for my backgrounds which are simple because I like to go directly to the subject…"