Lot 473

C. 1901 Hopi Snake Priest Original Photo by Vroman

Estimate: $12,500 - $17,500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
Featured in this lot is this gelatin silver called "Hopi Town Snake Priest," from Adam Clark Vroman (born in 1856 and passed in 1916) circa 1901. The photograph shows a Hopi Native American Snake Priest in ceremonial garments with a squash blossom around his neck and carrying a dancing wand. This is an extremely prominent photograph taken during the Hopi Snake Dance, which is a 16-day ceremony to celebrate ancestry and pray for rainfall. The condition of this gelatin silver is good, with no obvious signs of damage. The measurements of this framed silver gelatin are 18 1/4" x 14 1/2" and the visible art measures 7 7/8" x 4 1/2". Provenance: From the renowned Sundog Fine Art Bozeman, Montana collection and collected by Bruce VanLandingham. Bruce VanLandingham was a pillar in the American Indian collecting community and a respected expert. Along with being an avid collector, Bruce also was the sole owner of Sundog Fine Art Gallery in Bozeman, which was both part museum and gallery. Truly an outstanding example.