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A Snake Priest

A Snake Priest

1900

Edward S. Curtis

American, 1868-1952

Around the turn of the nineteenth century, Curtis began a project of systematically documenting the major Native American tribes. It was a project that consumed him for thirty years and resulted in the 40-volume book, The North American Indian. The photographs provide important information on the customs and traditions that in many cases no longer exist today, while reminding viewers of a distressing chapter of American history.
Photogravure
17 1/2 x 12 13/16 in. (44.5 x 32.5 cm)
Gift of Mr. Harry Poll in honor of the museum's 50th year
83.108
location
Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, 200 Photographs from the Museum Collection, Dec. 8, 1983 - Feb. 5, 1984. Text by Rod Slemmons. No cat. no.
Published ReferencesSeattle Art Museum: Bridging Cultures. London: Scala Publishers Ltd. for the Seattle Art Museum, 2007, p. 14.

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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