North American Auction Company
Timed Auction

Last Chance November Passed Lots & Added Auction: NOV 18TH

Sun, Nov 13, 2022 02:00AM EST - Fri, Nov 18, 2022 03:00PM EST
Lot 544

Portraits From North American Indian Life, Curtis

Estimate: $200 - $400

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, "Portraits From North American Indian Life" by Edward S. Curtis, copyright 1972 and published 1990 The introduction to this book was written by A.D Coleman and T.C. McLuhan. This is an incredible book with stunning images documenting Native American history. This photographic record of the spirit of the North American Indian tribes and nations portrays all aspects of Indian life from crafts and dress, to customs and rituals. Edward Sheriff Curtis was one of America's premier photographers and ethnologists whose work focused on the American West and on Native American people. Curtis participated in the 1899 Harriman expedition to Alaska as the lead photographer. He then accompanied George Bird Grinell, editor of Forest and Stream, on a trip to northern Montana. There they witnessed the deeply sacred Sundance of the Piegan and Blackfoot tribes. Traveling on horseback, with their pack horses trailing behind, they stopped at the precipice. Below them, the view of the valley floor stretched with over a thousand teepees – an awesome sight to Curtis. This event transformed his life and inspired him to create "The North American Indian". This book, Portraits, displays but a fraction of the voluminous and beautiful wealth that was Edward S. Curtis gift to mankind. "Portraits From North American Indian Life" and its photographs is in very fine condition, no marring noted to the pages. One of Curtis' most important and notable images, Cañon de Chelly, is illustrated on the front cover. Cover has tears on the title overleaf, scuffing noted to the cover edges. Measures 14.75"W x 18.25"L x .75"D