Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952)
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Title:
Plate 032 Son of the Desert - Navaho
Date:
1904
Size:
Portfolio, 22 x 18 inches
Medium:
Vintage Photogravure
“In the early morning this boy, as if springing from the earth itself, came to the author's desert camp. Indeed, he seemed a part of the very desert. His eyes bespeak all of the curiosity, all of the wonder of his primitive mind striving to grasp the meaning of the strange things about him.” – Edward Curtis
In the history of the Navaho is the nomadic life of hunter /gatherer, but over time they observed the farming life of the Pueblo Indians and the Mexican settlers. Wisely, they not only adopted crop farming, but capitalized on its stability and plentitude. As sheep and cattle were purchased, the role of “herdsman” became a prominent tribal job, and gave them quality product for barter with outside the reservation.
Within this portrait of the North American Indian life, one can imagine his thoughtful countenance a result of meditation in the quiet solitude of herding the tribe’s animals, as his countenance is more peaceful than that of a warrior.
In the history of the Navaho is the nomadic life of hunter /gatherer, but over time they observed the farming life of the Pueblo Indians and the Mexican settlers. Wisely, they not only adopted crop farming, but capitalized on its stability and plentitude. As sheep and cattle were purchased, the role of “herdsman” became a prominent tribal job, and gave them quality product for barter with outside the reservation.
Within this portrait of the North American Indian life, one can imagine his thoughtful countenance a result of meditation in the quiet solitude of herding the tribe’s animals, as his countenance is more peaceful than that of a warrior.