Plate 666: Cheyenne Costume

No image available

1927

Edward S. Curtis

(American, 1868–1952)

Culture

America

Medium

glass interpositive plate

Measurements

Overall: 43.2 x 35.6 cm (17 x 14 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Dr. Terence and Joyce Isakov 2022.303

This artwork is known to be under copyright.

Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

Cheyenne women and girls did the weaving, cooking, family care, cleaning, and other housework, including taking apart the teepees when the tribe relocated.

Description

Edward S. Curtis wrote, “This woman’s deerskin costume, ornamented with porcupine-quill embroidery and with beads and fringe, is characteristic of that of the Cheyenne; but such is now worn only on gala occasions and probably ere very long will be a thing of the past.” By the 1920s, when this picture was taken, the Cheyenne had adopted European dress for everyday life.