In 1906, photographer Edward S. Curtis was approached by wealthy banker J.P. Morgan about a documentary project featuring the indigenous people of North America. Curtis had long-been fascinated by the Native American tribes and immediately took the project.
Over the course of the next 20 years, Mr. Curtis captured more than 40,000 images of 80 different tribes. We selected a few of our favorite old photos below...
1905
Three chiefs from the Sioux tribe prepare for a meeting.
1904
A group of Navajo tribesmen travel across the Canyon de Chelly in Arizona
1900
Chiefs from the Piegan tribe visit a watering hole.
1910
Members of the Qagyuhl tribe dance to restore an eclipsed moon.
1910
The Apache were skilled in farming. This photo shows a young Apache woman reaping grain.
1914
The Qagyuhl tribe was well-known for its elaborate costumes and ceremonies. This photo captures a group before one of the tribes annual ceremonies.
1914
Nakoaktok dancers wear Hamatsa masks during a ritual.
1910
The hunting skills and techniques of the Native American evolved as their habitat shifted west. This photo shows a Kutenai tribesman in a canoe hunting duck.
1914
Farther north, the Kwakiutl tribe occupied the lands of British Columbia. This photo and the next two show members of the tribe arriving for a wedding ceremony.
1914
The Kwakiutl people had elaborate canoes that could launch full sails when rowing wasn't feasible. Notice the intricate dragon/monster design on the side.
1914
This amazing photo shows a bride arriving for a Kwakiutl wedding ceremony.
1910
An Apache man waits for other members of his tribe.
1908
This photo looks like a scene straight out of Dances with Wolves, doesn't it? It captures an Apsaroke man on horseback, looking over a ridge.
1923
A Klamath chief stands on a hill above Crater Lake, Oregon.
1910
Tepees housing Piegan tribespeople.
1923
In addition to being adept farmers and hunters, the Native Americans were also seasoned fishermen. Here we see a Hupa tribesman spear fishing for salmon.
1904
A Navajo medicine man named Nesjaja Hatali
1910
Piegan girls gather goldenrod in the fields outside of camp.
1908
Do you remember learning about the elaborate carriers Native Americans used for their young children? This magnificent photo shows one up close. So beautiful!
1910
A young member of the Apache tribe poses for a portrait in full jewelry and dress.
1903
An elder member of the Apache tribe named Eskadi
1907
A young woman named Luzi of the Papago tribe.
1914
A Kwakiutl shaman performs a religious ritual.
1914
Mr. Curtis was able to capture many of the Native American ceremony costumes up close for the first time. This photo shows a man dressed as Hami ("dangerous thing") during a Humhlim ceremony.
1914
A Qaguhl woman wearing a fringed Chilkat blanket. She is in mourning, marked by the mask that represents a deceased family member who had been a shaman.
If you liked this story, hit "Share" to pass it on to friends...
Next Article
