Copyright 1904, published 1907
The North American Indian is the masterwork of early 20th century photographer Edward Sherriff Curtis. Comprised of 20 volumes of text and accompanying portfolios, The North American Indian was published between 1907 and 1930 and was the culmination of Curtis's efforts to record, in word and image, the traditional practices of Native Americans in the Plains, Western, Southwestern, and Northwestern United States. The Muskegon Museum of Art owns a complete set of the project, acquired through the Hackley Public Library by original subscription.
Vanishing Race - Navajo is the first plate in the Volume 1 portfolio and was named by Time magazine as one of the top 100 most influential photographs of all time. The title reflects the belief that drove Curtis's efforts, that Native People and their cultures were quickly vanishing under a deliberate campaign by the U.S. Government and would soon be lost. Native Americans endured and today, groups have been able to use Curtis's records to recover their traditions and heritage.