Shatíla - Pomo
Artist
Edward S. Curtis
(American, 1868 - 1952)
Engraver
Suffolk Engraving Company
(American, active early 20th century)
Datecopyright 1924
Mediumphotogravure on paper
Dimensions22 1/8 × 18 inches (56.2 × 45.7 cm)
Other (Plate): 17 1/4 × 12 1/2 inches (43.8 × 31.8 cm)
Other (Plate): 17 1/4 × 12 1/2 inches (43.8 × 31.8 cm)
Credit LinePurchase of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, 2013
Object number2013.2.14.8
ClassificationsPhotographs
Label Text“The Pomo are one of the best-known groups of California Indians.” Curtis did not give a biography of this man. His description of the village government provides insight on this man’s role. “The head of each family group . . . was a chief. It follows that except in the very smallest communities there were more headmen than one; and of these patriarchs one by common consent held the position of principal chief. These men constituted the governing body, and their duty was to take thought of the general welfare. Though they lacked punitive powers . . ., they were charged with the responsibility of policing the village and particularly of maintaining order at public celebrations.”
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
On View
Not on view
