Shar-i-tar-ish was a principal chief of the Grand Pawnee tribe. He was son of another chief of the same name mentioned as Char-ac-tar-ish by Lieutenant Pike who met him at the Grand Pawnee village on the Republican river in 1806. The subject of this portrait succeeded his elder brother, Ta-re-ca-wa-ho as head chief. The latter was invited to visit the president at Washington, but refused because he thought the Pawnee the greatest people on earth and would not condescend to go in person. He sent Shar-i-tar-ish in his stead. Shar-i-tar-ish was then a young man, six feet tall, well proportioned and of fine appearance. His portrait was made at Washington. Soon after his return he became head chief and died a little later, aged thirty. He was succeeded by Ish-ca-te-pi sometimes spelled Is-ka-tap-pi and called "The Wicked Chief." Nebraska History
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