Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952)
View Artist BiographyTitle:
Plate 281 Wishham Bride
Date:
1910
Size:
Portfolio, 22 x 18 inches
Medium:
Vintage Photogravure
Wishham tribes were located in Oregon and Washington and the traditional dress was generally made of skins, breech cloth, or woven blankets. In this Edward Curtis photo however the beautiful Native subject is dressed for a wedding ceremony. She is very elaborately dressed in beaded clothing and jewelry. The marriage arrangements for the Wishham tribes would involve a messenger sent from the groom’s family to the bride’s father. The messenger would negotiate with him for a set price a very businesslike affair.
On the day of the wedding the price would be payed and gifts would also be offered for other relatives of the bride. They would feast for days alternating between houses as part of the celebration. Polygamy was not frowned upon, but one would have had to be quite wealthy to support more than one wife. The most affluent of the tribe may have up to 8 wives. Adultery was punished according to Edward S. Curtis’ North American Indian.
On the day of the wedding the price would be payed and gifts would also be offered for other relatives of the bride. They would feast for days alternating between houses as part of the celebration. Polygamy was not frowned upon, but one would have had to be quite wealthy to support more than one wife. The most affluent of the tribe may have up to 8 wives. Adultery was punished according to Edward S. Curtis’ North American Indian.