Looking Glass was the son of Apash Wyakaikt, who was also called Looking
Glass because of the small mirror he wore as a decoration.  Apash Wyakaikt
was appointed Nez Perce tribal war chief in 1848.  The Nez Perces, a
warrior tribe, were divided on the issue of relations with whites.  When
war broke out in 1877, young Looking Glass was elected, like his father,
as head of the anti-white faction.  He led the Nez Perces from their
reservation to Montana.  White troops, led by Colonel Nelson Miles, caught
up to them near the Bear Paw Mountains, where they laid siege to the camp. 
Looking Glass refused to surrender; at the tribal council, he was struck
by a stray bullet and killed.