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Oraibi snake dance, 1904, c1905. Creator: Edward Sheriff Curtis
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Oraibi snake dance, 1904, c1905. Creator: Edward Sheriff Curtis
Oraibi snake dance, 1904, c1905. Hopi Indians, Arizona, in snake ceremony, with pueblo and onlookers in background
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Media ID 35136263
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1904 1905 Arizona Ceremonial Ceremony Curtis Edward Sheriff Curtis Edwards Edward Sheriff Curtis Edwards Curtis Hopi North American Indian On Looker On Lookers Onlooker Onlookers Pueblo Pueblo Indian Rite Ritual Old Oraibi Oraibi White And Black
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking photograph, titled "Oraibi Snake Dance, 1904, c1905," captures a significant moment in Hopi Indian history and culture. Taken by renowned ethnographer Edward Sheriff Curtis, the image offers a glimpse into the traditional snake dance ceremony, which was an essential part of Hopi religious practices. The ceremony took place in the ancient pueblo of Oraibi, located in Arizona, USA. The Hopi people, known for their rich heritage and deep connection to their land, are depicted in various stages of the ritual. In the foreground, a Hopi dancer holds a snake, a symbol of renewal and fertility, while another dancer follows behind, wearing a colorful headdress and holding a gourd rattle. The pueblo, with its adobe structures and steep cliffs, can be seen in the background, adding to the sense of place and tradition. Onlookers, both Hopi and non-Hopi, gather to witness the ceremony, their expressions ranging from awe and reverence to curiosity and fascination. The snake dance was an essential part of Hopi religious life, and its continuation serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of indigenous cultures in the face of external pressures and changes. Edward Sheriff Curtis, a pioneering figure in American anthropology, captured this image during a time when the Hopi and other Native American cultures were undergoing significant transformation. Curtis' documentation of the Hopi snake dance and other Native American rituals and traditions remains an invaluable contribution to the historical record and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the American Southwest.
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