Transcript Unpacking Edward Curtis` Trunk

Unpacking Edward Curtis’
Trunk
MEMO
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From: the Director of the Smithsonian Anthropology
Department
To: Staff of the Anthropology Department
We have just received word that that the Smithsonian
has received a trunk containing photographs taken by
Edward Curtis at the end of the 1800's. Mr. Curtis
devoted his life's work to chronicling the lives and
cultures of Native Americans in the Western and
Northern regions of the country. This is a huge find
for our Anthropology Department. The Smithsonian
Board of Directors has asked us to analyze the
photographs to see how the environment and natural
resources might have affected the lives and culture of
the people in different regions of the country in early
American history.
Our Assignment
Over the next few days, Expert Groups will
analyze photos of Native American tribes
from the Northwest region of the United
States.
Physical Anthropology Expert
Groups
Physical Anthropologists will study
FOOD, CLOTHING,SHELTER
As you do this, you will focus on the natural
resources of the area and how this culture
used these resources.
Cultural Anthropology Expert
Groups
Cultural Anthropologists will study
POLITICAL STRUCTURE, SOCIAL
STRUCTURE, RELIGION
As you do this, you will focus on the natural
resources of the area and how this culture
used these resources.
Presentation to the Board
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Each group will
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present their Analysis Packet to the
Anthropology Department.
make a 2-3 minute oral presentation of their
findings
Practicing your Skills as a
Physical Anthropologist
Captured whale (The North American Indian; v.11)
CREATOR
Curtis, Edward S., 1868-1952.
SUMMARY
Description by Edward S. Curtis: A small humpback whale (Megapter)
lies partially butchered on the beach at Neah Bay.
NOTES
1 photogravure : brown ink ; 36 x 43 cm.
Original photogravure produced in Boston by John Andrew & Son, c1915.
Original source: The Nootka. The Haida [portfolio] ; plate no. 396
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Primitive Quinault (The North American Indian; v.09)
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CREATOR
Curtis, Edward S., 1868-1952.
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SUMMARY
Description by Edward S. Curtis: Among the Coast Salish the
aboriginal dress of women was a knee-length kilt of thick, cedarbark fringe. No other garment was worn except when cold or rain
made goat-hair or vegetal-fibre blankets or capes desireable.
NOTES
1 photogravure : brown ink ; 44 x 30 cm.
Original photogravure produced in Boston by John Andrew & Son,
c1912.
Original source: Salishan tribes of the coast. The Chimakum and the
Quilliute. The Willapa [portfolio] ; plate no. 293
Seattle : E.S. Curtis, 1913.
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Fishing camp - Skokomish (The North
American Indian; v.09)
CREATOR
Curtis, Edward S., 1868-1952.
SUMMARY
Description by Edward S. Curtis: The picture
shows a typical summer house at a picturesque
spot on Skokomish River.
Description by Edward S. Curtis: Washington
(State)
Practicing your Skills as a
Cultural Anthropologist
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Group of winter dancers - Qagyuhl (The
North American Indian; v.10)
CREATOR
Curtis, Edward S., 1868-1952.
NOTES
1 photogravure : brown ink ; 34 x 43 cm.
Original photogravure produced in Boston by
John Andrew & Son, c1914.
Original source: The Kwakiutl [portfolio] ; plate
no. 348
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Masked dancer - Cowichan (The North
American Indian; v.09)
CREATOR
Curtis, Edward S., 1868-1952.
SUMMARY
Description by Edward S. Curtis: The dancer
personates one of the mythic ancestors who
descended from the sky. Note the huge, carved
house-post at the right.
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Coming for the bride (The North American
Indian; v.10)
CREATOR
Curtis, Edward S., 1868-1952.
SUMMARY
Description by Edward S. Curtis: In the bow
qunhulahl, a masked man personating the
thunderbird, dances with characteristic gestures
as the canoe approaches the bride's village.
Let the Analysis Begin!
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Use your Graphic Organizer to record what
you observe in the photographs
Look at the information in each category
and write on your “Power Thinking” chart
statements about what the information
tells you