Azayamankawin, 1788-1873
Dates
- Existence: 1788 - 1873-05-01
Biography
A Mdewakanton Dakota woman; her name means "Woman Who Runs for Huckleberries" or simply "Berry Picker". She was the mother of Taopi, who was born about 1820. At the time her son was born, they lived along the Mississippi in the village of Kaposia, which is now St. Paul. Her husband was probably Iron Sword (Mazasagia). She was well known to white soldiers and settlers "not only for her beauty, but for her kind disposition as well as for her bravery." During the Dakota war, she took care of many of the women and children who had been taken captive, and ensured their safety. She later became affectionately known as "Old Betsey" or "Old Bets".
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Portrait of Old Bets, 1862
Studio portrait of Azayamankawin, also known as Old Bets, pictured seated with her hands folded on her lap. A Sioux woman who will long be remembered with gratitude by many of the Minnesota captives for her kindness to them while among the Sioux in 1862.