Buckskin Diplomacy

The objects Lewis and Clark acquired in negotiations with Indian nations have much to say.

by Christopher Reed

From The November-December 2003 Issue

Published in the November-December 2003 print issue in the Features section.

Read more articles by Christopher Reed

Most popular

Mark Carney on the Limits of Soft Power

At the 2026 Davos summit, the Canadian prime minister echoes Harvard’s Joseph Nye.

Why Men Are Falling Behind in Education, Employment, and Health

Can new approaches to education address a growing gender gap?

Harvard Board of Overseers Candidates Describe Priorities

Alumni will vote for the University governing board in April and May.

House - Email

Explore More From Current Issue

A stylized illustration of red coral branching from a gray base, resembling a fantastical entity.

Arts & Culture

This TikTok Artist Combines Monsters and Mental Heath

Ava Jinying Salzman’s artwork helps people process difficult feelings.

An axolotl with a pale body and pink frilly gills, looking directly at the viewer.

Research

Regenerative Biology’s Baby Steps

What axolotl salamanders could teach us about limb regrowth

An image depicting high carb ultra processed foods, those which are often associated with health risks

Research

Is Ultraprocessed Food Really That Bad?

A Harvard professor challenges conventional wisdom.