Nimkish Village at Alert Bay [Plate 350]

1914

Edward Sheriff Curtis

Associated Names
Edward Sheriff Curtis

Artist, American, 1868 - 1952

This is a photograph of a row of totem poles lined up alongside a building with a dirt path in front of them. The photograph captures several intricately carved totem poles, each distinct in design, featuring various animal motifs such as birds and sea creatures intricately carved and stacked vertically. The totem poles stand beside a large wooden building, the side of which is adorned with similar artistic designs. The sky above is overcast with scattered clouds, casting a soft light over the scene. To the left of the image, there is a progression of trees providing a natural backdrop, and in the distance, smaller structures can be observed, all contributing to the historical ambiance of the photograph.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    photogravure on cream wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mitchell and Nancy Steir

  • Dimensions

    image: 38.9 x 29.4 cm (15 5/16 x 11 9/16 in.)
    sheet: 56 x 45 cm (22 1/16 x 17 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2004.163.5.20

Associated Artworks

See all 34 artworks
The image shows a woman painting a basket. She has a concentrated expression, dark hair, and wears a woven garment. She has a nose ring and several bracelets on her wrist. The basket features detailed patterns. The background has a textured surface.

Painting a Hat - Nakoaktok [Plate 329]

Edward Sheriff Curtis

1914

This is a photograph of a page titled "The North American Indian: List of Large Plates Supplementing Volume Ten." The image displays numbered entries with brief descriptions of photographs or illustrations related to North American Indigenous culture, including entries like "540 THE FIRE-DRILL—KOSKIMO" and "541 MASKED DANCERS IN THE INTERIOR OF A KWAKIUTL HOUSE". The text is arranged in two columns and printed in a traditional serif font, with some headings in a larger and bolder typeface. The paper has a slightly aged appearance and a visible border on the left side.

The North American Indian [Volume Ten]

Edward Sheriff Curtis

1914

The image shows two totem poles in front of a wooden building with stairs and windows. The totem poles feature a bird at the top. The color of the totem poles is muted in shades of brown and cream. The material is carved wood with intricate details and patterns. The totem poles are tall, slightly taller than the building's roof. Each totem has various animal forms, contributing to its storytelling presence in a forested area.

Carved Posts at Alert Bay [Plate 330]

Edward Sheriff Curtis

1914


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Mitchell and Nancy Steir, New York, NY; gift to NGA, 2004.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

Engraved on plate upper left: Plate 350; lower left: NIMKISH VILLAGE AT ALERT BAY; lower center: From Copyright Photograph 1914 by E.S. Curtis; lower right: Photogravure John Andrew & Son; by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: N-7

Wikidata ID

Q64147226

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