2 vols. 4to
1911 · [Cambridge, Mass.]
by CURTIS, Edward Sheriff (1868-1952)
[Cambridge, Mass.], 1911. 2 vols. 4to. Text volume with 76 photogravure plates (12 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches) and folio (22 x 18 inches). 36 large supplemental photogravure plates numbered 184-219 printed on Van Gelder Holland. Copy 198 from the original proposed edition of 500. Text volume in publisher's half brown morocco, spine with raised bands forming four compartments, lettered gilt. Portfolio in publisher's half morocco
Complete text and portfolio volumes depicting the Piegan, Cheyenne and Arapaho cultures from Edward Curtis' landmark work.
The Piegan, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes, all members of the western division of the Algonquian linguistic family, each made significant contributions to the cultural history and literature of the Northern Plains. Closely related to the Siksika and Kainai tribes, the Piegan people formed part of the Blackfeet confederation. Originally a forest-dwelling tribe, the Piegan migrated south to inhabit the expansive regions now known as Montana and Alberta. Primarily hunters, they relied on buffalo for sustenance and resources, using every part of the animal to fashion dwellings, clothing, and tools. Curtis remarked on the Piegan's agreeable nature, describing them as "particularly tractable and likable." Their deeply spiritual connection to the land manifested through ceremonies like the Sun Dance, a rite of fasting, prayer, and physical endurance to honor the sun and seek blessings. The Cheyenne, originally from the Great Lakes, also migrated westward and established a formidable presence on the Great Plains, settling in Montana and Oklahoma, where they excelled as horsemen and buffalo hunters. They formed close alliances with the Arapaho and the Lakota Sioux, becoming a powerful force across the plains. Curtis found the Cheyenne to be a dignified, striking people, with an air of quiet pride and strength. Known for their warrior societies like the Bowstring and Dog Soldiers, the Cheyenne placed high cultural value on these groups, which protected the tribe and played key roles in social and ceremonial life. The Arapaho, who also migrated from the Great Lakes to the plains of Colorado and Wyoming, adapted skillfully to the challenges of nomadic life, becoming expert horsemen and buffalo hunters. Curtis admired their resilience and dignity, observing that the Arapaho retained much of their original dignity and independence despite hardships. Like the Cheyenne, the Arapaho maintained warrior societies, such as Thunderbird, that were central to both defense and cultural traditions, conducting rituals that emphasized bravery, kinship, and community values. Curtis collected materials over three decades by traveling extensively and living with Native American tribes, learning their customs, languages, and beliefs. His approach combined photography, detailed written descriptions, and sound recordings of traditional songs and language to document the lives of over 80 tribes across the United States and Canada. Curtis often immersed himself in the daily lives of tribal members, gaining trust by participating in or respectfully observing ceremonies and everyday activities. Curtis' deeply personal involvement in his subjects' lives and cultures was integral to his creation of one of the most comprehensive visual and written records of Native American life. His meticulous documentation has left an invaluable legacy of Indigenous cultures before the devastating impacts of European colonization.
The Truthful Lens 40; Howes C965, "dd. (Inventory #: 41790)
Complete text and portfolio volumes depicting the Piegan, Cheyenne and Arapaho cultures from Edward Curtis' landmark work.
The Piegan, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes, all members of the western division of the Algonquian linguistic family, each made significant contributions to the cultural history and literature of the Northern Plains. Closely related to the Siksika and Kainai tribes, the Piegan people formed part of the Blackfeet confederation. Originally a forest-dwelling tribe, the Piegan migrated south to inhabit the expansive regions now known as Montana and Alberta. Primarily hunters, they relied on buffalo for sustenance and resources, using every part of the animal to fashion dwellings, clothing, and tools. Curtis remarked on the Piegan's agreeable nature, describing them as "particularly tractable and likable." Their deeply spiritual connection to the land manifested through ceremonies like the Sun Dance, a rite of fasting, prayer, and physical endurance to honor the sun and seek blessings. The Cheyenne, originally from the Great Lakes, also migrated westward and established a formidable presence on the Great Plains, settling in Montana and Oklahoma, where they excelled as horsemen and buffalo hunters. They formed close alliances with the Arapaho and the Lakota Sioux, becoming a powerful force across the plains. Curtis found the Cheyenne to be a dignified, striking people, with an air of quiet pride and strength. Known for their warrior societies like the Bowstring and Dog Soldiers, the Cheyenne placed high cultural value on these groups, which protected the tribe and played key roles in social and ceremonial life. The Arapaho, who also migrated from the Great Lakes to the plains of Colorado and Wyoming, adapted skillfully to the challenges of nomadic life, becoming expert horsemen and buffalo hunters. Curtis admired their resilience and dignity, observing that the Arapaho retained much of their original dignity and independence despite hardships. Like the Cheyenne, the Arapaho maintained warrior societies, such as Thunderbird, that were central to both defense and cultural traditions, conducting rituals that emphasized bravery, kinship, and community values. Curtis collected materials over three decades by traveling extensively and living with Native American tribes, learning their customs, languages, and beliefs. His approach combined photography, detailed written descriptions, and sound recordings of traditional songs and language to document the lives of over 80 tribes across the United States and Canada. Curtis often immersed himself in the daily lives of tribal members, gaining trust by participating in or respectfully observing ceremonies and everyday activities. Curtis' deeply personal involvement in his subjects' lives and cultures was integral to his creation of one of the most comprehensive visual and written records of Native American life. His meticulous documentation has left an invaluable legacy of Indigenous cultures before the devastating impacts of European colonization.
The Truthful Lens 40; Howes C965, "dd. (Inventory #: 41790)
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