Flathead Type
Artist
Edward S. Curtis
(American, 1868 - 1952)
Engraver
John Andrew & Son
(American (founded 1869))
Datecopyright 1910
Mediumphotogravure on paper
Dimensions22 1/4 × 18 1/4 inches (56.5 × 46.4 cm)
Other (Plate): 18 × 12 1/2 inches (45.7 × 31.8 cm)
Other (Plate): 18 × 12 1/2 inches (45.7 × 31.8 cm)
Credit LinePurchase of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, 2013
Object number2013.2.7.9
ClassificationsPhotographs
Label TextThe Flathead reservation is in western Montana. The name of “Flathead” does not signal that these people practiced head flattening. It is the opposite. They did not change the shape of infant skulls as some other tribes did. Because they did not have more pointed shaped heads, other tribes saw them as having flat heads. Curtis noted that some called themselves by the place name “red willow river.” Today they are known as Salish. Curtis covered the Yakima, Klickitat, Salishan tribes of the interior, and Kutenai in Volume Seven.
ProvenanceAcquired by subscription directly from the artist by the National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C.[1]; purchased December 6, 2012 through (Christies, New York, New York,[2]) by (Arader Galleries, New York, New York); purchased June 10, 2013 through (Arader Galleries, New York, New York) by the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art | [1] This set was stored in the National Geographic Society’s archive housed in the Society’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. | [2] "The National Geographic Collection: The Art of Exploration," December 6, 2012, Christie’s, New York, Rockefeller Plaza, sale 2603, lot 65
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