Accession Number1997/1.156
TitleSons of a Yakima Chief
Artist(s)Edward S. CurtisArtist NationalityAmerican (North American)Object Creation Date1910Medium & Supportphotogravure on paperDimensions 9 in x 12 1/4 in (22.8 cm x 31.2 cm);19 7/16 in x 14 3/8 in (49.3 cm x 36.5 cm);14 3/8 in x 19 7/16 in (36.5 cm x 49.3 cm)
Credit LineGift of Stephen M. TaylorSubject matterThis image of two boys from the Yakima tribe (now known as Yakama) 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 DescriptionThis is a portrait of two young boys. They stand inside a tipi or tent, wearing large headdresses and beadwork around their shoulders. The interior of the space is filled with patterned blankets and cloths.
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
Figures
Native American
Portraits
Yakima (culture or style)
boy
boys
children
costume (mode of fashion)
costumes
double portraits
feathers
headdress
interiors
modern and contemporary art