15 rare historical photos of Native American life that you've probably never seen

Talia LakritzNov 1, 2021, 20:04 IST

Photographer Edward S. Curtis spent 30 years photographing over 80 Native American tribes in the early 1900s.Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress

Edward S. Curtis spent 30 years documenting over 80 Native American tribes in the early 1900s.
He published his photos in a 20-volume collection, "The North American Indian."

In the early 1900s, photographer Edward S. Curtis set out to document Native American tribes as westward expansion and ethnic cleansing threatened their way of life.

"Principal female shaman of the Hupa," taken in 1923. Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress

He traveled by wagon, foot, and horse, ultimately visiting over 80 Native American tribes over 30 years.

"Two daughters of a chief on horseback, riding away from camera toward tents in background," taken in 1907. Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress

His gelatin silver prints, a medium that became popular in the early 20th century, allowed for more detailed images.

"Camp at Stony Lake," taken in 1905. Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress

The Native communities he worked with gave him the name "Shadow Catcher."

"A smoky day at the Sugar Bowl - Hupa," taken in 1923. Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress

Curtis photographed important Native American figures such as chiefs and shamans.

"Stinking Bear," taken in 1905. Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress

He included subjects of all ages, from elders to babies.

"Hupa Mother," taken in 1923. Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress

He captured the rhythms of everyday life, such as grinding grain.

"The Mealing Trough - Hopi," taken in 1906. Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress

In this image, two women cook at a campfire.

"Two Apache Indian women at campfire, cooking pot in front of one," taken in 1903. Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress

Basket-makers showed Curtis their work.

"A Mono Lake basket-maker," taken in 1924. Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress

Some of his subjects simply went about their days as Curtis worked behind the camera.

"Taos Children," taken in 1905. Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress

With the permission of tribal elders, Curtis also staged reenactments of ceremonies and battles for him to photograph.

"Buffalo dancers," taken in 1905. Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress

But Curtis has been criticized for presenting a romanticized version of Native American life, choosing to omit the modern clothing most Native people wore at the time.

"The Jicarilla," taken in 1905. Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress

He also edited out pieces of technology, such as the clock in his 1910 photo "In a Piegan lodge." It's missing in some versions.

"In a Piegan lodge," taken in 1910. Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress

Author Laurie Lawlor wrote that for his time, Curtis, who was a non-Native, "was far ahead of his contemporaries in sensitivity, tolerance and openness to Native American cultures and ways of thinking."

"Maricopa women gathering fruit from Saguaro cacti," taken in 1907. Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress

Author Laurie Lawlor wrote that for his time, Curtis, who was a non-Native, "was far ahead of his contemporaries in sensitivity, tolerance and openness to Native American cultures and ways of thinking."

Despite their problematic elements, Curtis' photos remain a resource of great historic value.

"A Navajo Smile," taken in 1904. Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress

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15 rare historical photos of Native American life that you've probably never seen

In the early 1900s, photographer Edward S. Curtis set out to document Native American tribes as westward expansion and ethnic cleansing threatened their way of life.

He traveled by wagon, foot, and horse, ultimately visiting over 80 Native American tribes over 30 years.

His gelatin silver prints, a medium that became popular in the early 20th century, allowed for more detailed images.

The Native communities he worked with gave him the name "Shadow Catcher."

Curtis photographed important Native American figures such as chiefs and shamans.

He included subjects of all ages, from elders to babies.

He captured the rhythms of everyday life, such as grinding grain.

In this image, two women cook at a campfire.

Basket-makers showed Curtis their work.

Some of his subjects simply went about their days as Curtis worked behind the camera.

With the permission of tribal elders, Curtis also staged reenactments of ceremonies and battles for him to photograph.

But Curtis has been criticized for presenting a romanticized version of Native American life, choosing to omit the modern clothing most Native people wore at the time.

He also edited out pieces of technology, such as the clock in his 1910 photo "In a Piegan lodge." It's missing in some versions.

Author Laurie Lawlor wrote that for his time, Curtis, who was a non-Native, "was far ahead of his contemporaries in sensitivity, tolerance and openness to Native American cultures and ways of thinking."

Despite their problematic elements, Curtis' photos remain a resource of great historic value.