Sidewalk performance or carnival performance, Cliff Dwellers, between 1896 and 1911. Creator: Arnold Genthe

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Sidewalk performance or carnival performance, Cliff Dwellers, between 1896 and 1911. Creator: Arnold Genthe

Sidewalk performance or carnival performance, Cliff Dwellers, between 1896 and 1911. An attraction featuring Native Americans

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Media ID 36307165

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American Indians Attraction Audience Carnival Cave Caves Cliff Cliffs Controversial Controversy Indians Native Americans Performers Sideshow Spectator Spectators

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> Arts > Artists > G > Arnold Genthe

> North America > United States of America > Related Images

EDITORS COMMENTS
Arnold Genthe's captivating photograph, titled "Sidewalk performance or carnival performance, Cliff Dwellers, between 1896 and 1911," transports us back in time to an era of American tourism and fascination with the indigenous peoples. This intriguing image showcases a group of Native Americans performing in front of an audience on a bustling city sidewalk. The performers, dressed in traditional cave-dweller costumes, engage with the curious onlookers, who eagerly watch the unusual spectacle. The Cliff Dwellers attraction, a controversial tourist draw, was a popular sideshow that featured Native Americans living in replicas of Southwestern cliff dwellings. The controversy surrounding such displays stemmed from the exploitative nature of presenting indigenous peoples as exotic curiosities. However, this photograph offers a glimpse into the complexities of the time, as it reveals both the intrigue and the unease that such performances elicited. Arnold Genthe, a renowned photographer, captured this moment with exceptional skill, using a nitrate negative to create a striking contrast between the dark clothing of the performers and the lighter clothing of the spectators. The image is part of the extensive Genthe Collection at the Library of Congress, which documents the people and places of the United States during the early 20th century. This photograph is a testament to the rich heritage of American history and the complex relationship between indigenous peoples and the wider society during this period.

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