Photographic Study Collection

Spanning the history of photography, this collection brings together examples of ambrotypes, daguerreotypes, tintypes, cased photographs, stereographs, photographic postcards, silver gelatin prints, and more. The topics covered in the collection primarily focus on the general history of the American West.

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: Blackfeet Indian in traditional clothing at tribal gathering

: Blackfeet Indian preparing to butcher a steer

: Blackfeet Indians dancing at tribal gathering

: Blackfeet Indians dancing at tribal gathering

: Blackfeet Indians preparing for medicine lodge ceremony. Glacier National Park, Mont.; Text on back of card reads: "Blackfeet Indians Preparing for Medicine Lodge Ceremony, Glacier National Park, Montana. These Blackfeet Indians are preparing for a very sacred religious ceremony and sacrifice called the "Medicine Lodge Ceremony." Some time before this ceremony takes place an Indian squaw has prayed to the sun for the safety, or perhaps recovery, of some one dear to her, probably a husband or son. She has made a vow to the sun that if her prayer is granted she will build a 'Medicine Lodge.' She is now keeping her promise. Certain braves are to help her, for four 'Sweat Lodges' and the 'Medicine Lodge' are to be built. As each pole is placed in the building of the lodges each warrior tells of brave deeds that he has done. One hundred different songs are sung. When the lodges are completed the 'Medicine Lodge Woman' fasts for four days. At the end of that time she comes out of her lodge, praying at each step, and offers a buffalo tongue to the sun. Then she offers one to the Ground Man (Devil), and then eats one herself. Then she passes tongues (today they are usually beef tongues) to the tribe. Each Indian offers a bit to the sun and to the Ground Man before he eats. More brave deeds are told and songs sung. Perhaps some of the warriors have made vows during the year; if so, they are paid at this time. Paying a vow usually means the giving of some form of self-inflicted punishment. When the tribe feels that proper gratitude has been shown the sun and that the Ground Man has received his share of the respect they go home, feeling sure of long life and plenty. Notice the ceremonial dress of the Indians. Also notice the great beauty of Glacier National Park."