Sha’kaien’kwarahton is one of three Haudenosaunee leaders whose portrait was painted by John Verelst in his series Four Indian Kings of the New World (1710). Titled “Sa Ga Yeath Qua Pieth Tow (King of Maquas),” Sha’kaien’kwarahton, also known as Peter Brant, is decorated with elaborate tattoo marks on his body.

Recent research by Dr. Kanen'tó:kon Hemlock (Kahnawake, Bear Clan), interprets the crayfish, Otsi’eró:ta, tattoo on Brant’s chest as a kind of totem, suggesting that “like a crayfish, he always faces his enemy head-on.” The hourglass tattoo with rays emanating outwards above the crayfish began to appear throughout Haudenosaunee territory 1666-1682 and has been found on bone combs at archaeological sites in what is now western NY.

Dr. Kanen'tó:kon Hemlock currently works within his community revitalizing tattooing practices, including sharing the knowledge associated with designs, and mentoring youth in the significance of this art form for Kanien’kehaka (Mohawk) people.