MS 049 - Plains Indians Stereographs Collection, 1898
Scope and Contents
Hand-tinted stereograph, T. W. Ingersoll, 1898, 8.9 x 17.8 cm.
Portrait of group of Native American Indian men, some standing and some sitting on grass, dressed in colorful, decorated traditional clothing. Most seem to have short hair. One man wearing European-style suspenders. Drum in middle of group.
On front: “466. Group of Black Foot Braves in Full Feather. Copyrighted, 1898, by T. W. Ingersoll.”
On back: “Probably no tribe of Indians in the United States is so fond of personal adornment or go so far in securing articles of dress which, according to their standard, are fashionable and becoming to them, as the Blackfoot. With their home along the northern borders of the United States, from Idaho westward through Montana and extending well north into Canada, they are numerous, intelligent, warlike and more than ordinarily handsome people. That the conveniences of civilization are not wasted upon the savage is evident from the pair of suspenders and trousers upon the warrior standing at the left of the picture. The war drum in the midground, with its adornment, is fashioned after the Blackfoot style, and no other Indians use this form. It is a curious Indian custom that until a brave has killed an enemy in fair fight he is not entitled to wear a feather in his hair. There is enough evidence in this group to furnish the hangman with material for a long time if, indeed, customs could be used in a court of law. The young dandy standing on the left next to the man with the suspenders has not obtained the dignity of a warrior, and there are two or three others in the group who have yet to win their spurs in battle. Since Uncle Sam has taken an active hand in the regulation of Indian affairs there is less opportunity for the securing of the coveted trophy than before, and except in the remoter localities, where the old traditions hold, it has lost its force. A8835”
Dates
- Created: 1898
Conditions Governing Access
McCracken Library staff may determine use restrictions dependent on the physical condition of manuscript materials. Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation or publication. Contact McCracken Research Library for more information.
Extent
From the Collection: 1.00 boxes
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Creator
- From the Collection: Ingersoll, T. W. (Truman Ward) (Person)
- From the Collection: Randall, B. G. (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the McCracken Research Library Repository