More than a century ago there existed a different kind of portrait photography – one that captured genuine souls. These extraordinary images of Native American women reveal faces etched with wisdom and eyes that tell stories of resilience. Far from the stereotypes Hollywood fed us in our younger days, these photographs showcase women of tremendous strength who maintained their cultural identity during one of history's most turbulent periods. Each carefully preserved photograph captures elaborate traditional dress, intricate beadwork, and most importantly, the unmistakable dignity that radiates from these keepers of ancient traditions. These weren't just pictures – they were living history.
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An Indian Woman And Child Ride On Horseback In A Parade During The Pendleton Round-Up
Yakama Indian Woman, Washington, 1899
A Desert Cahuilla Woman, C. 1924
Native American Woman, Cook Inlet, Alaska, Circa 1905
Honestly I would've guessed this was taken in the late 60s/early 70s.
Spokane Indian Woman, 1899
Emma Kickapoo, Native American Woman,she Was The Only Member Of The Kickapoo Tribe Who Would Accept The Flag, The Others Mistrusted Gifts From The Us Government, 1913
Wishram Woman With Qing Dynasty Cash Coins, 1910
Mother And Child, Apsaroke, 1908
Hattie Tom, Apache, C. 1899
Portrait Of Marcia Paschal, Daughter Lieutenant Colonel George W. Paschal, She Was Half-Cherokee, 1850s-1930s
Native American Woman Wearing Potlatch Ceremony Dress, Alaska, 1907
Native American Woman From Plains Region, 1901
Early Portrait Photograph Of Native American, 1890s
San Carlos Apache Woman, Between 1883 And 1888
Yakama Indian Woman, Washington, 1899
Apache Woman And Pappoose, 1873
Chuckachancy Woman And Child, California, 1947
Native American Woman, Circa 1910
Native Woman, Cook Inlet, Alaska, Circa 1910
Indians, American Medicine Woman, 1913
Kwakwaka'wakw Woman With Cedar Basket, 1903
Otoe, Indian Woman, 1907
Eskimo Woman Named Keat Kona, Alaska, 1905
Inuit. "The term "Inuit" is the preferred name for the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic and subarctic regions, while "Eskimo" is considered outdated and potentially offensive. "Inuit" means "the people" in their language." University of Alaska Fairbanks Wikipedia
Native American Woman, Between 1921 And 1923
Young Native American Woman Lucille, 1907
A Maidu Woman, Between 1905 And 1924
American Indian Woman With Child, 1900
Hoh Woman Named Minnie Cole Poses Outside Near Water, Hoh Indian Reservation, Washington, 1905
Umatilla Maid, 1910
Wonderful. A shame I can't think of much more to add. Well, maybe this. A lot of the photography is stunning. And if any modern women addicted to modern so-called "beauty" culture want to understand what *real* beauty is, have a look here.
(perhaps it's my age, but I'm particularly taken with the face of "A Maidu Woman, Between 1905 And 1924")
Load More Replies...Wonderful. A shame I can't think of much more to add. Well, maybe this. A lot of the photography is stunning. And if any modern women addicted to modern so-called "beauty" culture want to understand what *real* beauty is, have a look here.
(perhaps it's my age, but I'm particularly taken with the face of "A Maidu Woman, Between 1905 And 1924")
Load More Replies...