An unidentified Native American leader identified as Chief On-a-wat of the Mesquakie Nation stands full-length in this albumen print attributed to Washington, D.C. photographer C. M. Bell and dated to 1879-80. The large-format mounted photograph places the subject before a painted studio backdrop featuring the outline of a tipi, a backdrop element Bell employed during this period when delegations visited the capital. The albumen print is mounted on a heavy cardboard with rounded corners.

The subject wears a dark wool trade blanket draped over his shoulders, a heavily fringed sash or bag hanging at his waist, and beaded or studded tall moccasins or boots visible at his feet. A layered bone or claw chest ornament covers his upper torso, drop earrings hang from both ears, and a turban-style headdress wrapped in fabric and adorned with feathers crowns his head. He stands with weight on a dark cane or staff held in his right hand, his gaze directed steadily past the camera.

The Mesquakie, also known as the Sac and Fox of the Mississippi in Iowa, maintained a distinct land base in Tama County, Iowa, having purchased their settlement independently in 1856 after resisting forced removal. C. M. Bell operated a prominent studio in Washington and documented numerous Native delegations during this era, producing images that entered both government and commercial circulation.

The reverse of the mount bears no photographer's imprint and carries no legible inscription or catalog notation visible in the image provided.