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The Last of the Tribes

The Last of the Tribes is a neo-classical sculpture by Hiram Powers, modeled between 1867 and 1872 in marble. It depicts a partially nude young Native American girl walking with her head turned slightly to one side. It was Powers’ last full-length sculpture. The work reflects the artist’s idea of a time “when the last Indian will pass away” through contact with Euro-Americans, and he described the figure as “fleeing before civilization [and] looking back in terror.” The sculpture has been on public display at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston since 2001.

The Last of the Tribes sculpture
The Last of the Tribes sculpture on display.
© · Public domain
The Last of the Tribes sculpture
The Last of the Tribes sculpture.
© · Public domain
The Last of the Tribes sculpture
The Last of the Tribes sculpture.
© · Public domain
The Last of the Tribes sculpture
The Last of the Tribes sculpture from the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
© Powers, Hiram · CC0

Identification

TitleThe Last of the Tribes
TypeFull-length statue
StyleNeoclassical
Original titleL'ultima della tribù

Historical context

Reception at the timeNude and semi-nude works were disapproved of, and Powers was criticized by much of society
Date created1867–1872
Completion statusHiram Powers' last full-length sculpture completed
Related worksEve; The Greek Slave; Eva sconsolata; La schiava greca
Related works' subjectFull-length nude or semi-nude artistic figures
Contemporary appreciationSome admirers of Powers still appreciated his art

Creator

ArtistHiram Powers
Artist nationalityAmerican

Materials

MaterialMarble

Physical characteristics

SubjectA semi-nude young Native American woman
PoseRunning with her head turned slightly to one side

Appearance

ExpressionLooking back in terror
ModelAn Italian girl, not a Native American woman
Stylistic featuresWavy, graceful lines capture the figure's form and motion; the skirt's details reinforce a sense of movement
ClothingAn exquisitely detailed skirt with diamond patterns and tassels

Iconography and meaning

Artist's interpretationFleeing from civilization
Intended meaning of the titleReflects the idea that 'the last Indian will pass away' as a result of contact with Euro-Americans
ThemeReflects a view of Native Americans as 'noble savages' doomed to extinction by westward expansion of the United States

Location and ownership

Current locationMuseum of Fine Arts, Houston
On public display since2001

Discovery and provenance

Second version locationSmithsonian American Art Museum, Washington

Significance

Later attentionIncluded in The United States Academic Decathlon 2003–2004 curriculum and catalog; drew increased attention and popularity
Curriculum focusLewis and Clark Expedition and Native Americans