Edward S. Curtis, a professional photographer in Seattle, devoted his life to documenting what he perceived to be a vanishing race. His monumental workThe 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.

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Wedding party - Qagyuhl

Date: Prior to 1930

A Nakoaktok Chief's Daughter

Date: Prior to 1930

A Paguate Entrance

Date: Prior to 1930

Dancing to Restore an Eclipsed Moon - Qagychl

Date: Prior to 1930

The Mussel Gatherer

Date: Prior to 1930

The Apache Reaper

Date: Prior to 1930

The Apache

Date: Prior to 1930

In the land of the Sioux

Date: Prior to 1930

Vash Gon - Jicarilla

Date: Prior to 1930

Eskadi - Apache

Date: Prior to 1930

Masked dancers - Qagyuhl

Date: Prior to 1930

Kotsuis and Hohhuq - Nakoaktok

Date: Prior to 1930

Hastobíga, Navaho Medicine-man

Date: Prior to 1930

Jicarilla maiden

Date: Prior to 1930

Apache Nalin

Date: Prior to 1930

The Vanishing Race - Navaho

Date: Prior to 1930

Luqaiot - Kittitas

Date: Prior to 1930

"Yurok Canoe on Trinity River" (Printed on Photograph)

Date: Prior to 1930

Fish-Weir Across Trinity River--Hupa

Date: Prior to 1930



Collection: The North American Indian Photography of Edward Curtis - Edward S. Curtis, a professional photographer in Seattle, devoted his life to documenting what was perceived to be a vanishing race. His monumental publication The North American Indian presented to the public an extensive ethnographical study of numerous tribes, and his photographs remain memorable icons of the American Indian. The Smithsonian Libraries holds a complete set of this work, which includes photogravures on tissue, donated by Mrs. Edward H. Harriman, whose husband had conducted an expedition to Alaska with Curtis in 1899.

Repository: Smithsonian Institution Libraries

Diana Topan