Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
In the early 20th century Edward S. Curtis embarked on a 30-year mission he described as an effort "to form a comprehensive and permanent record of all the important tribes of the United States and Alaska that still retain to a considerable degree their ... customs and traditions." Curtis visited more than 80 tribes across the country, and north into Alaska and parts of Canada, eventually taking more than 40,000 photographs.
When Curtis died in 1952, his work was largely forgotten, but is now recognized as one of the most significant records of Native American culture ever produced.
Pictured here is Three Horses, taken around 1905.
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Navaho child, c. 1904
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Navaho matron, c. 1904
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Mis Se Pah, c. 1903
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Nespilim man, c. 1904
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Antelope Cap, c. 1905
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Sings in the Mountains, c. 1905
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Acoma woman, c. 1905
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Hopi virgin, c. 1905
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Hopi maiden, c. 1905
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Chideh, Apache, c. 1903
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Apache girl and papoose, c. 1903
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Yo Shona, c. 1903
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Tah It Way, c. 1905
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Ben Long Ear, c. 1905
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Head Carry, c. 1900
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Iron Breast, Piegan, c. 1900
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
The wife of Ow High, c. 1905
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Big Head, c. 1905
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Running Rabbit, c. 1900
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Mis Se Pah, c. 1903
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Black Hair, c. 1905
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Nespilim woman, c. 1905
Edward S. Curtis Collection/Library of Congress
Weasel Tail, Piegan, c. 1900
