Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952)

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Provenance: Library of the University of Tennessee Knoxville Tennesse
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Title:
Plate 244 Nespilim Man
Date:
1905
Size:
Portfolio, 22 x 18 inches
Medium:
Vintage Photogravure
 
Caption by Edward Curtis: The Nespilim were a small Salishan band living north of the Columbia in the Valley of Nespilim River. Few representatives of the tribe survive.

Looking quizzically into the camera this man’s face is brightly lit to show its defined features. Long flowing hair and a beautifully embroidered vest are nice features of this photogravure.

"The religious ideas and ceremonial practices of these Salishan tribes were characterized by great simplicity. They held the common animalistic conception of the universe, but none of the supernatural powers had advanced to the rank of a formally and generally worshiped deity... Among the tribes of the Columbia the so-called dreamer cult was in evidence. It was strongest or at least survived longest, among the Nespilim and the Sanpoel...The belief in the efficacy of dreams and the power of prophecy was absolute, and still persists among the older Sanpoel." From Edward S. Curtis' North American Indian.

Our Aspen Art Gallery acquired this piece from The Library of the University of Tennessee Knoxville Tennesse.
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