Accession Number1987/1.198
TitleWishham Bowl
Artist(s)Edward S. CurtisArtist NationalityAmerican (North American)Object Creation Date1909Medium & Supportphotogravure on paperDimensions 9 3/16 in x 12 in (23.34 cm x 30.48 cm);14 3/4 in x 19 3/4 in (37.47 cm x 50.17 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas M. KenyonSubject matterThis image of a ceramic bowl from the Wishham tribe—now known as Wishram—is from
The North American Indian (1907-1930), a twenty-volume series created by Edward Curtis in order to document the lives of Native Americans in diverse regions of the Western United States. This limited edition volume was financially supported by J.P. Morgan, and promoted by Theodore Roosevelt. The resulting works have been criticized and celebrated for their portrayal of Native American life. Curtis often included anachronous props and clothing and presented rituals that had not been performed in years in order to support an idealized and romantic reading of a “vanishing race.”
Physical DescriptionA photograph of a hand-made ceramic bowl placed on a desert rock. Two abstract human figures are etched into the surface of the bowl, with decorative textures carved into the surface on either side.
Primary Object ClassificationPhotographCollection AreaPhotographyRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
Chinook
Native American
Vessels
Wishram
bowl
bowls (vessels)
modern and contemporary art
pottery techniques
still lifes