Iron White Man, Sioux Indian

Iron White Man, Sioux Indian

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Description
In 1898 New York photographer Gertrude Käsebier (1852-1934) embarked on a deeply personal project, creating a set of prints that rank among the most compelling of her celebrated body of work. Käsebier was on the threshold of a career that would establish her as both the leading portraitist of her time and an extraordinary art photographer. Her new undertaking was inspired by viewing the grand parade of Buffalo Bill's Wild West troupe en route to Madison Square Garden for several weeks of performances.
Käsebier had spent her childhood on the Great Plains, and retained many vivid, happy memories of playing with nearby Native American children. She quickly sent a letter to William "Buffalo Bill" Cody (1846-1917), requesting permission to photograph in her studio the Sioux Indians traveling with the show. Within weeks, Käsebier began her unique and special project photographing the Indian men, women, and children, formally and informally. Friendships developed, and her photography of these Native Americans continued for more than a decade.
Profile portrait of Iron White Man, who wears two strings of beads, a circular ring on his head, a tailored shirt, and a vest
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
platinum print
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
Physical Description
platinum print (overall production method/technique)
paper (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 20.5 cm x 14.5 cm; 8 1/16 in x 5 11/16 in
ID Number
PG.69.236.100
accession number
2875463
catalog number
69.236.100
Credit Line
Mina Turner
subject
Native Americans
See more items in
Work and Industry: Photographic History
Gertrude Kasebier
Photography
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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Comments

Beautiful picture! My mom’s maiden name is Iron Whiteman, daughter of Cleveland Iron Whiteman, which of course is my grandfather. We are Oglala Lakota, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota.

Amber Jaimez

Thu, 2018-12-13 08:25

Iron white man is my ancestor on my paternal grandmother side, my grandmother is Grace L. Iron white man. The photo is just beautiful work of art capturing some of history.

Colleen Cross

Thu, 2018-12-06 09:23

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