Edward S. Curtis
(1868 - 1952)
Chaiwa - Tewa, 1906
platinum print
Signed, in brown ink at lower right on print recto: Curtis
Copyright blind stamp, at lower left on print recto: COPYRIGHTED 1906 BY E.S. CURTIS
In negative at lower left on print recto: X1964-06

Negative Date: 1906
Print Date: 1906
Tewa, Southwest

This print depicts a young Hopi woman in traditional garb of heavy wool garments and multiple neck adornments. She wears her hair in a squash blossom style, indicating that she is not yet married. The lighting is strong and direct. It is a very early photograph, having been created in 1906. It has a delicate ink/signature on the recto. Curtis lived with and photographed the Hopi extensively. This print was included in the ground-breaking exhibition, “Sacred Legacy: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indian”, which traveled throughout Europe in the early 2000’s. It is estimated that as few as 1 in 500 Curtis prints are platinum, making this vintage platinum print all the more desirable and rare. This print was created by hand in Curtis’ Seattle studio, and may be unique.
7 3/4 x 5 5/8 in. (19.69 x 14.29 cm.)
Edward Curtis Studio
Private Collector(s) - Mary Vincent: Mary was the granddaughter (through marriage) of a couple who owned a trading post in Washington state. This print was gifted to them as Curtis was a frequent guest there and close to the owners. This print was gifted by the grandparents to their son and from him to Mary and her husband.
Christopher G. Cardozo Collection, 2006

Exhibited:
Sacred Legacy: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indian (95 print exhibit), 2000

Publication History - Image:
The North American Indian (1907 - 1930), Portfolio 12, Plate 414
The North American Indian Republication Custom Edition, Christopher Cardozo Fine Art, 2014, Portfolio Volume 3, Plate 414
The North American Indian Republication Reference Edition, Christopher Cardozo Fine Art, 2017, Portfolio Volume 3, Plate 414

The print and original mount are in very good condition overall. A formal, detailed condition report is available upon request.

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