Presented in this lot is a rare and original photograph of Boy Scouts founding pioneer, Ernest Thompson Seton with three Blackfeet Indians, demonstrating how to start a fire using a bow and a stick, 1917, copyright Haynes, St. Paul, Minnesota. Seton heavily influenced Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting. His notable books related to Scouting include The Birch Bark Roll and The Boy Scout Handbook. He is responsible for the strong influence of American Indian culture in the BSA. This silver gelatin photograph was processed onto cardstock as was common in the early 1900s. The three Blackfeet men are dressed in their native clothing with the Blackfeet man on the right also wearing a war bonnet while holding a war shield and the Blackfeet man in the middle also wearing a beaver pelt hat.
The photograph is on good overall condition, and exhibits age related tanning and slight foxing. No other obvious damage noted. Measurements are 8"W x 10"L