The North American Indian being a Series of Volumes Picturing and Describing the Indians of the United States and Alaska [Text Volume IV]

[Cambridge, Mass.], 1909. 4to. Printed on Van Gelder paper, illustrated with 74 photogravure plates (one hand coloured). Text volume only from set number 198 of the original proposed edition of 500. Publisher's half brown morocco by H. Blackwell, beige linen boards, spine with raised bands forming four compartments, lettered gilt, top edge gilt

The richly illustrated fourth text volume on the Apsaroke and Hidatsa cultures from Curtis' landmark work.

The Apsaroke (Crow) were a nomadic people of the Northern Plains, primarily inhabiting what is now Montana and northern Wyoming. They were closely related to the Hidatsa but had migrated (truncated) westward, adopting a lifestyle centered on bison hunting, horse culture, and warfare. Curtis portrayed the Crow as one of the most striking warrior societies of the Plains. He writes, "In stature and vigor the Apsaroke, or Crows, excelled all other tribes of the Rocky Mountain Region, and were surpassed by none in bravery and devotion to the supernatural forces that gave them strength against their enemies" (p. 3). The Hidatsa were a semi-sedentary agricultural people of the Upper Missouri River region in present-day North Dakota. Unlike the Crow, they lived in permanent earthlodge villages and engaged in farming, trade, and seasonal bison hunts. Curtis notes that "as is to be expected of village people, the Hidatsa paid more attention to religious rites than wandering plains tribes" (p. 184). 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 #: 41834)