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Arikara Medicine Ceremony-The Ducks, c1908. Creator: Edward Sheriff Curtis
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Arikara Medicine Ceremony-The Ducks, c1908. Creator: Edward Sheriff Curtis
Arikara Medicine Ceremony-The Ducks, c1908. Photo shows three Arikara men, members of the medicine fraternity, dancing, painted to represent ducks and holding rushes
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Media ID 35138635
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Anthropology Arikara Body Paint Breechcloth Ceremonial Ceremony Curtis Edward Sheriff Curtis Edwards Doctor Edward Sheriff Curtis Edwards Curtis Ethnography Ethnology First Nation First Nations Gelatin Silver Print Healer Loin Cloth Loincloth Medicine Man North America North American Plain Plains Plains Indian Riccarree Rushes Simple Tribal Tribal Culture Tribe Visual Witch Doctor Clothing Dress Fashion Clothing White And Black
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This striking photograph, titled "Arikara Medicine Ceremony-The Ducks," captures a profound moment in the traditional Arikara medicine ceremony from around 1908. Edward Sheriff Curtis, a renowned American ethnographer and photographer, documented this scene as part of his extensive work on Native American cultures. Three Arikara men, members of the medicine fraternity, are depicted in the image, each dressed in intricate costumes representing ducks. Their bodies are painted with geometric patterns and adorned with rushes, symbolizing the waterfowl they embody during the ritual. The men wear minimal clothing, with only breechcloths or loincloths covering their lower bodies. The trio is engaged in a dance, their faces expressive and focused, as they pay homage to the spiritual power of the ducks and the water they inhabit. This dance is believed to bring healing and good fortune to the tribe. The photograph, a gelatin silver print, offers a glimpse into the rich heritage and cultural practices of the Arikara people, who once inhabited the Plains region of North America. Curtis's work, which includes thousands of photographs, films, and manuscripts, is an invaluable resource for anthropologists, historians, and anyone interested in understanding the diverse indigenous cultures of the Americas during the early 20th century. This image, with its powerful composition and evocative subject matter, stands as a testament to the enduring significance of traditional rituals and the deep connection between people and their lands.
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