American photo historian Edward S. Curtis may have single-handedly documented vanishing Native American tribes of the early twentieth century. Aren’t these portraits just ridiculous? The costumes, the hairstyles, and deep, knowing stares are haunting. However, these are more than documents of a lost generation. The history of how these photos came to be is pretty incredible, too:
Edward S. Curtis
In 1906 J.P. Morgan offered Curtis $75,000 to produce a series on the North American Indian. It was to be in 20 volumes with 1,500 photographs. Morgan was to receive 25 sets and 500 original prints as his method of repayment. 222 complete sets were eventually published. Curtis’ goal was not just to photograph, but to document, as much American Indian (Native American) traditional life as possible before that way of life disappeared. He wrote in the introduction to his first volume in 1907: “The information that is to be gathered … respecting the mode of life of one of the great races of mankind, must be collected at once or the opportunity will be lost.” Curtis made over 10,000 wax cylinder recordings of Indian language and music. He took over 40,000 photographic images from over 80 tribes. He recorded tribal lore and history, and he described traditional foods, housing, garments, recreation, ceremonies, and funeral customs. He wrote biographical sketches of tribal leaders, and his material, in most cases, is the only recorded history.
What an incredible opportunity to document a culture in decline. I’m quite impressed that someone in a position of wealth was cognizant that Native American life was quickly disappearing and took action at the time.
Old J.P. was a pretty sharp dude.
The interesting thing about the Curtis pictures is that they are such an entanglement of construction and reality – real people, real artifacts, but sometimes put together in artificial ways to create what he felt was the emotional truth. Curtis had his own passionately idealistic ideas of Native American life, and he did some drastic staging to make the images he wanted to show.
They are beautiful, though. Otherworldly.
I wonder if there ever can be a truly accurate version of history. Regardless of whether it’s film or photography, the person behind the camera inevitably influences what’s in front of the lens. When it comes to deliberate attempts to document a cultural legacy it gets even more messy. I appreciate the fact that these photos exist, but the veracity of the images leaves something to be desired. Kinda have to take it with a grain of salt.
Also, love the idea of “construction and reality” — the artificial made to seem real. It’s kind of like reality shows, if you think about it.
these are amazing photos. i could look at them for a long time. thanks for sharing them.
i’ve seen these before but i never knew where they were from. they’re beautiful – thanks so much for sharing.
LOVE this. LOOK AT HIS HAT! That hat is amazing.
Rad. This is a neat source for old photos too, if anyone is interested.
http://www.old-picture.com/
J.P. Morgan probably got a kick out of the whole idea of tribes disappearing.
love these. beautiful.
These are truly haunting and amazing – and almost profoundly sad.
Is it possible that the child in the third photo down is wearing someone else’s scalp/hair? Look at the part. Whoa.
Traditional dress or regalia, not costumes.