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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.

#1

An Indian Woman And Child Ride On Horseback In A Parade During The Pendleton Round-Up

Native American woman and child on horse in time-weathered photograph honoring female strength and heritage.

OSU Special Collections & Archives : Commons Report

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    #2

    Yakama Indian Woman, Washington, 1899

    Native American woman in traditional attire with braids and jewelry, showcasing female strength in a time-weathered photograph

    University of Washington Report

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    bodhisayumi
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder what she used on her hair, it's so beautiful and shiny.

    #3

    A Desert Cahuilla Woman, C. 1924

    Native American woman in a time-weathered black and white photograph portraying female strength and resilience.

    Library of Congress Report

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    #4

    Native American Woman, Cook Inlet, Alaska, Circa 1905

    Black and white photograph of Native American female with long wavy hair standing in front of patterned textile, honoring strength.

    University of Washington Report

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    #5

    Spokane Indian Woman, 1899

    Native American female with braided hair and traditional jewelry in a time-weathered photograph honoring strength.

    University of Washington Report

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    #6

    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

    Native American woman wrapped in an American flag, symbolizing female strength in a time-weathered photograph.

    Internet Archive Report

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    #7

    Wishram Woman With Qing Dynasty Cash Coins, 1910

    Native American woman in traditional attire with intricate beadwork and jewelry, symbolizing female strength and heritage.

    Library of Congress Report

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    #8

    Mother And Child, Apsaroke, 1908

    Native American woman holding baby wrapped in traditional clothing, showcasing female strength in a time-weathered photograph.

    Museum of Photographic Arts Collections Report

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    #9

    Hattie Tom, Apache, C. 1899

    Native American woman in traditional attire and beadwork showcasing female strength in a time-weathered historic photograph.

    Rinehart, F. A. (Frank A.) Report

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    #10

    Portrait Of Marcia Paschal, Daughter Lieutenant Colonel George W. Paschal, She Was Half-Cherokee, 1850s-1930s

    Native American woman in traditional attire with long hair, captured in a time-weathered black and white photograph.

    Glass Negatives of Indians (Collected by the Bureau of American Ethnology) Report

    #11

    Native American Woman Wearing Potlatch Ceremony Dress, Alaska, 1907

    Native American woman dressed in traditional clothing and blanket, showcasing female strength in time-weathered photograph.

    University of Washington Report

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    #12

    Native American Woman From Plains Region, 1901

    Black and white time-weathered photograph of Native American female carrying a child, showcasing female strength and heritage.

    Library of Congress Report

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    #13

    Early Portrait Photograph Of Native American, 1890s

    Black and white portrait of a Native American woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat, showing strength and resilience.

    Vintage Everyday Report

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    #14

    San Carlos Apache Woman, Between 1883 And 1888

    Native American female strength shown in a time-weathered photograph of a woman carrying a pot on her back.

    Randall, A. Frank Report

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    #15

    Yakama Indian Woman, Washington, 1899

    Native American female strength captured in a time-weathered photograph showing traditional attire and jewelry.

    University of Washington Report

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    #16

    Apache Woman And Pappoose, 1873

    Native American woman sitting outdoors in traditional clothing, captured in a time-weathered photograph honoring female strength.

    U.S. National Archives and Records Administration Report

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    #17

    Chuckachancy Woman And Child, California, 1947

    Native American woman holding a baby outdoors surrounded by trees in a time-weathered photograph honoring female strength

    U.S. National Archives and Records Administration Report

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    #18

    Native American Woman, Circa 1910

    Vintage photograph of a Native American woman showcasing female strength in traditional attire with jewelry and braided hair.

    Museum of Photographic Arts Collections Report

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    #19

    Native Woman, Cook Inlet, Alaska, Circa 1910

    Historic black and white photograph of Native American woman wearing traditional clothing, symbolizing female strength and heritage.

    University of Washington Report

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    #20

    Indians, American Medicine Woman, 1913

    Native American woman carrying firewood in a time-weathered photograph honoring female strength in a forest setting.

    Library of Congress Report

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    #21

    Kwakwaka'wakw Woman With Cedar Basket, 1903

    Native American woman weaving a basket, showcasing time-weathered strength and traditional craftsmanship outdoors.

    Royal BC Museum collections Report

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    #22

    Otoe, Indian Woman, 1907

    Native American female strength shown in a time-weathered photograph of a woman wearing traditional beaded jewelry.

    SMU Libraries Digital Collections Report

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    #23

    Eskimo Woman Named Keat Kona, Alaska, 1905

    Vintage portrait of Native American female with long hair wearing traditional striped clothing, showcasing strength and resilience.

    University of Washington Report

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    SaladSpinnerDeux
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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

    #24

    Native American Woman, Between 1921 And 1923

    Native American woman dressed in traditional attire, showcasing female strength in a time-weathered black and white photograph.

    Library of Congress Report

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    #25

    Young Native American Woman Lucille, 1907

    Native American woman in traditional attire with long braids standing outdoors near a tree honoring female strength.

    Library of Congress Report

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    #26

    A Maidu Woman, Between 1905 And 1924

    Close-up portrait of a Native American woman showcasing time-weathered strength and resilience in black and white.

    Library of Congress Report

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    #27

    American Indian Woman With Child, 1900

    Native American woman holding child in a time-weathered black and white photograph showing female strength.

    Library of Congress Report

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    #28

    Hoh Woman Named Minnie Cole Poses Outside Near Water, Hoh Indian Reservation, Washington, 1905

    Native American woman standing near water in a time-weathered photograph honoring female strength and heritage.

    University of Washington Libraries Report

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    #29

    Umatilla Maid, 1910

    Native American female dressed in traditional attire with braided hair, honoring strength in a time-weathered photograph.

    Museum of Photographic Arts Collections Report

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