Edward Sheriff Curtis (American, 1868-1952) Nane-Qagyuhl

Description:

Edward Sheriff Curtis (American, 1868-1952)

Nane-Qagyuhl, 1914, a later printing. Titled and copyrighted in the lower margin. Photogravure, image size 7 1/2 x 5 5/8 in. (19.1 x 14.3 cm),framed.
Condition: Not examined out of frame.

N.B. Kwakwaka'wakw, also known as the Kwakiutl, are Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast in what is now British Columbia, specifically along the shores of the waterways between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Their social stratification was primarily based on the inheritance of names and privileges. These privileges included the right to sing certain songs, use certain crests, and wear particular ceremonial masks, all of which determined one's rank within their society. (1) The individual shown here is dressed in a full-body bear costume and served as a guard to the dance house during ceremonies. (2)

1. Kathleen Kuiper, "Kwakiutl," Encyclopedia Britannica, May 4, 2015.
2. Edward Curtis, "Nane - Qagyuhl," The North American Indian, accessed via The Library of Congress.
Estimate $300-500

Leaf from The North American Indian, likely printed on Japanese vellum and affixed to the page at corners.

Leaf size 12 x 9 1/2 inches, vellum size 8 3/4 x 6 1/4 inches, framed dimensions 19 x 15 3/4 inches. Subtle mat burn to leaf, binding residue to left margin, minor tears to left margin where page was unbound, right and lower deckled edges, minor pinprick accretions to leaf, 1 pale narrow linear mark to u.r. quadrant in margin. No issues to vellum.


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