On return to the United States, the Tribe was assigned to the Wounded Knee Creek Reservation. He participated in the Indian Wars of 1875-1876, most notably the Battle of Little Big Horn, and he took part in the exodus to Canada in 1876. Spotted Elk became hereditary chief of the Mniconjou Sioux in 1874. 'Our client, a collector and dedicated student of Native American history, is thrilled to see them back home where they belong and where they can be preserved for future generations.' 'We're honored to support the return of these historic artifacts ' noted Thomaston Place Auction Galleries owner and auctioneer Kaja Veilleux. This piece was removed from the Chief's frozen body by a soldier after the Wounded Knee massacre. His personal knife with 19 th Century blade, stag elk handle, and brass fittings was assembled by Spotted Elk himself as part of the Ghost Dance tradition. It is accompanied by documentation from Deborah Spotted Tail Elk, the Chief's great-great-granddaughter, confirming that this pistol was his.
Chief Spotted Elk's Smith & Wesson Schofield Second Model 45-caliber single action pistol was one of his possessions later found in Geronimo-Mangas Caves ( Canada).
