The North American Indian, Vol. 1

A historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume is part of a comprehensive series that depicts and describes the Indigenous peoples of the United States and Alaska. The work is characterized by its detailed field research, photography, and the vivid portrayal of the cultural practices, beliefs, and environments of various tribes, particularly the Apache and Navaho. At the start of this volume, Edward S. Curtis introduces his mission to document the rapidly vanishing cultures of Native Americans, highlighting the deep connection between the tribes and their natural environments. He describes the extensive fieldwork undertaken to gain the trust of Apache communities and collect their myths, rituals, and customs. Curtis emphasizes the artistic and spiritual dimensions of Indian life, sharing insights into their creation myths and ceremonial practices while reflecting on the impending loss of these cultures due to modernization and colonization. The opening sets a powerful tone for the exploration of Apache beliefs, their social structures, and everyday lives through the lenses of both photography and in-depth narrative.