'Soon after we came to the Indians arrived with 4 deer as a present, for which we gave them two quarts of whiskey.' Wiiliam Clark, May 22, 1804. These Indians were Kickapoo and Meriwether Lewis had arranged the exchange earlier in the day after encountering the Kickapoo while exploring along the north bank of the river. The Kickapoo were closely associated with both the Sac and Fox tribes and many lived in a village called Kickapoo Town located near St. Charles, Missouri. It’s possible these men were from that village. The men have been described as being well built, robust men with high cheekbones and fierce expressions. They usually shaved their heads except for a small Mohawk style tuft onto which they tied deerstail roaches dyed red. Their faces were often painted in specific geometric patterns. Silver armbands and jewelry along with numerous earrings and an occasional turban made of colorful fabric and feathers made for an impressive presence. Commonly, the men would have been hunting with French style Fusils with powder horns and hunting bags.
