17 Amazing Vintage Photographs Captured Native American's Life From the Early 20th Century

Edward S. Curtis, a professional photographer in Seattle, devoted his life to documenting what he perceived to be a vanishing race. His monumental work The North American Indian was published between 1907 and 1930 and contained over 2000 photogravures in its volumes and portfolios. It presented an extensive ethnographical study of numerous tribes, and the photographs of Curtis remain memorable icons of the American Indian. Although the Smithsonian Libraries owns a complete set of Curtis’ publication, only a small portion of the photogravures has been digitized.

Yebichai, the beggar, Tonenili-Navajo Indian, dressed in spruce branches.

Night medicine men.

The altar.

The drying mummy.

Hupa female shaman.

Yebichai war gods.

Praying to the Spirits at Crater Lake--Klamath.

Yebichai prayer.

Arikara medicine ceremony--the Bears.

Sun dance pledgers--Cheyenne.

Kotsuis and Hohhug--Nakoaktok, wearing ceremonial dress, with long beaks, on their haunches, dancing.

Dancer with black deer effigy.

Apache medicine cap and fetish.

Saliva.

The snake priest

Hopi (Moqui) Indians. Snake dance.

Saliva, Slow Bull (in background), Picket Pin's arm.