Edward S. Curtis was an American photographer who focused much of his work on documenting the American West, the Native American people, their traditions, and everyday life.
The interest in Native Americans became deeper when his family moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1887. Edward has always shown a notable talent for photography, and the relocation just helped him find his niche.
When he got married, he opened a studio and earned a living by taking pictures of society ladies, but it didn't make him happy. His interests have always revolved around natives, and it was like an affection that he couldn't describe.
His biggest wish was to photograph Princess Angeline, the oldest daughter of Chief Sealth of the Duwamish tribe.
He claimed:
"I paid the princess a dollar for each picture I made. This seemed to please her greatly, and she indicated that she preferred to spend her time having pictures taken to digging clams."
Edward always sensed that he was in a race against time with his work. He felt an urge to shoot as many photos as possible while Native Americans and their traditions still existed.
How lucky we are that he did. The portraits in sepia and black and white are stunning.
#1 A Klamath Woman From 1923
#2 The Crow Bull Chief, 1908
#3 A Young Jicarilla Girl From 1904
#4 The Arikara Warrior White Shield, Around 1908
#5 A Crow Man Named Lies Sideway, 1908
#6 A Cheyenne Woman, 1910
#7 A Navajo Man From 1904
#8 A Navajo Man, 1904
#9 Bullchief, A Crow warrior, crossing A Ford In A War Bonnet, Circa 1905
#10 Cheyenne Men Preparing For The Sun Dance In 1910
