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CHEYENNE MESSIAH CRAZE ALBUMEN PHOTO

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Remarkable albumen image of the Cheyenne & Arapaho "Messiah Craze," or "Ghost Dance," circa 1890. Though its origins remain nebulous it certainly appears to stem from a misunderstanding of their new religion, Christianity. It is thought the practice originated near the Pine Ridge Agency and attributed to Sitting Bull, at least in the caption of this photograph. This dance of supplication was meant to celebrate Jesus and the tribe's belief that He was about to remove the white man from their lands, "dance the white man out and the buffalo in." It reportedly lasted until around 1894. Albumen photograph on cardstock with typewritten caption. Photo measures about 4.75 x 7 inches, 8 x 10 inch period cardstock backing, plus paste-down caption.

Good condition. Some age tone and stains to cardstock, image clear.

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