Isatai'i, also known as Isatai, or Eschiti[1] (Comanche: Isa Tai'i, lit. 'Wolf Vulva'; c. 1840 – 1916) was a Comanche warrior and medicine man of the Kwaharʉ band. Originally named Quenatosavit (Comanche: Kwihnai Tosaabitʉ; lit. 'White Eagle'), after the debacle at Adobe Walls on June 27, 1874, he was renamed Isatai'i.[2][3] Isatai'i gained enormous prominence for a brief period in 1873-74 as a prophet and "messiah" of Native Americans. He succeeded, albeit temporarily, in uniting the autonomous Comanche bands as no previous Chief or leader had ever done. Indeed, his prestige was such that he was able to organize what was said to be the first Comanche sun dance, a ritual that his tribe had not previously adopted.[4]
- ^ Spelling on his headstone.
- ^ Kavanagh, Thomas W. (1996). The Comanches: A History, 1706-1875. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press. p. 445. ISBN 0-8032-7792-X.
- ^ Haley, James L. (1976). The Buffalo War: The History of the Red River Indian Uprising of 1874. Doubleday. p. 232 note. ISBN 1-880510-58-8.
- ^ Kincaid, Gaines. "ISA-TAI". The Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved 2008-01-17.