021 - The Navaho Ceremonies - The Night Chant

Edward Sherriff Curtis was a groundbreaking American photographer and ethnologist, whose visionary project focused on capturing the essence of Native American culture. Funded by the influential J.P. Morgan, Curtis aimed to create a monumental series consisting of 20 volumes and 1,500 striking photographs, dedicated to preserving the intricate beauty of Native American traditional life before it vanished. Over his illustrious career, he took more than 40,000 photographs across 80 tribes, meticulously documenting their stories, histories, and customs. His work encompassed a wide array of subjects, from traditional foods and housing to attire, recreation, ceremonies, and funeral practices, often including biographical sketches of tribal leaders. In many instances, Curtiss documentation stands as the sole written record of these rich cultures, making his contributions invaluable. - Summary by Wikipedia