Edward S. Curtis (1870-1952)
Documentation of the North American Indian by Edwrd S. Curtis in the early part of the 20th century is unparalleled. His documentary studies were published as The North American Indian in twenty volumes between 1907 and 1930.
Each volume consisted of text interleaved with hand-pulled gravure images from Curtis photographs. In addition to the 20 volumes, each set of The North American Indian included 20 folios of larger gravures, again from Curtis photographs. The selection of printing stock for the gravures varied; it included a heavy watermaked paper, vellum and, in less than 20 cases, gravures accompanying the text were pulled on tissue paper.
Each set of books contained 1502 small gravures and each folio of larger gravures included 720 images.
During the 23-year span of publication, fewer than 250 sets of the books were sold.
While it may appear that many original Curtis gravures appear for purchase in catalogs, galleries, and on the internet, one must consider that despite the variety of subject matter offered, each individual image exists in a quantity no greater than 250. And a large number of these exist as part of complete sets of The North American Indian in private and public collections, and will never be offered for sale.
It also must be remembered that the gravures on tissue numbered less than 20 of any image, and are far more fragile than the images on either paper or vellum. It is also important to note that while many of the gravures on paper and vellum were "restruck" over the years (usually on an easily identifiable lower quality paper), tissue images never reproduced, so each and every one is an authentic, original gravure from the original publication.
Prices do not include shipping; domestic US insured shipping will be between $10 and $20, depending on shipping method and valuation. Matting and framing for effective display is your responsibility. If for any reason you are disappointed with your purchase, it may be returned for a full refund.
E.S. Curtis Gravures on Tissue
The North American Indian
CLICK ON ANY IMAGE FOR A LARGER VIEW
 "COWICHAN RIVER". (1912) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 9 of The North American Indian. Measures approximately 8x6-1/4", lightly "tacked" on one corner to its original volume page. Image shows an Indian canoe on the Cowichan River in British Columbia, Canada, with village buildings in the distant background. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $595.00.
 "JACK ROWAN - CHUKCHANSI YOKUTS". (1924) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 14 of The North American Indian. Image size measures approximately 5-1/2x7-1/2", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Delicate soft-focus portrait of this of this aging man. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $995.00.
 "A POMO CAMP". (1924) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 14 of The North American Indian. Image size measures approximately 5-1/2x7-1/2", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Nice image showing a Pomo Indian camp shelter, shrouded by branches of a large tree. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $495.00.
"QUINAULT CANOES". (1912) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 9 of The North American Indian. Measures approximately 5x7-1/4", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Image shows an Indian canoe on the shore, with fishing netting on the ground in front. This tribe of Indians was apparently in the Puget Sound area. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $495.00.
"TSAWATENOK TRE BURIAL". (1914) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 10 of The North American Indian. Measures approximately 6x8", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Image shows a dense forested area, with what appears to be a decorated wooden casket high in a pine tree. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $595.00.
"AT THE SITE OF WAHLALA - CASCADE" . (1910) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 8 of The North American Indian. Measures approximately 7-1/4x5-1/2", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Image shows a quiet water scene, with a building hidden in the trees on the far bank. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $495.00.
"SILTO - QUILLIUTE". (1912) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 9 of The North American Indian. Measures approximately 4-3/4x7-1/4", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Strong image of this Northwest Coast native, his face weathered from age and weather. This tribe of Indians was apparently in the Puget Sound area. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $995.00.
"FORT LAPWAI". (1910) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 8 of The North American Indian. Measures approximately 7-1/4x5-1/2", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Buildings of this fort can be seen hidden among the trees. This loction was apparently in the Northwest area of the country. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $495.00.
"PROCESSION OF SAN ESTEVAN - ACOMA (B)". (1904) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 16 of The North American Indian. Measures approximately 7-1/2x5-1/2", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Some stain sports on the mount, outside the image area. Superb view of New Mexico Indians participating in the fiesta process of San Estevan. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $995.00.
"HENIPSUM VILLAGE - COWICHAN". (1912) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 9 of The North American Indian (Salishan Tribes of the coast. The Chimakum and the Quilliute. The Willapa). Measures approximately 7-1/2x5-1/2", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Superb view of wooden buildings of "village" with river in the foreground. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $695.00.
"KWAUSTUMS VILLAGE, GILFORD ISLAND". (1914) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 10 of The North American Indian (The Kwakiuti). Measures approximately 7-3/4x6", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Superb long view of village buildings on the island shore, hill rising in the background. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $695.00.
"ENTRANCE TO THE PAINTED CAVE". (1924) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 14 of The North American Indian (the Kato, the Wailaki, the Yuki, the Pomo, the Wintun, the Maidu, the Miwork, the Yokuts). Measures approximately 6x8-1/2", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Minuscule soil mark on mount, well away from image area; and 1/4" darkened area along top edge of page mount (just aging of the paper). Detailed, nicely composed, of the entrance to this cave; apparently needs to be taken in context with other material in book. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $395.00.
"MODERN YUKI CABIN". (1924) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 14 of The North American Indian (the Kato, the Wailaki, the Yuki, the Pomo, the Wintun, the Maidu, the Miwork, the Yokuts). Measures approximately 8X6-1/2", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Minuscule soil mark on mount, well away from image area. Close view of wooden cabin, with high stone chimney. Detailed, nicely composed. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $595.00.
"STONE GRAVE - CHEYENNE". (1910) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 6 of The North American Indian (The Piegan. The Cheyenne. The Arapaho). Measures approximately 7-3/4x6-1/2", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Without the title, or the context of the text, this would be a nicely composed view of a small hill, scrub and rocks; and a lone tree at the left. Peaceful and serene. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $395.00.
"EXCAVATED RUINS AT GYUSIWA (JEMEZ SPRINGS)". (1925) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 16 of The North American Indian (The Tiwa. The Keres). Measures approximately 8-1/4x6-3/4", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Relatively self-explanatory, a serene image of rock walls and markers that have been distrubed by excavation, probably for relics. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $695.00.
"QAMUTSUN VILLAGE - COWICHAN". (1912) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 9 of The North American Indian (Salishan tribes of the coast. The Chimakum and the Quilliute. The Willapa). Measures approximately 7-3/4x6-1/2", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Exquisite close view of village buildings; wooden with hand-carved and hewn support columns. Crisp detail, and a fine historical record. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $795.00.
"COWICHAN HOUSEFRAME". (1912) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 9 of The North American Indian (Salishan tribes of the coast. The Chimakum and the Quilliute. The Willapa). Measures approximately 7-3/4x6-1/2", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Outstanding detailed close view of the framing for an Indian house; completed home to the left. All hand-cut and hewn longs and timbers. Crisp, and a fine historical record. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $795.00.
"THE MOUTH OF QUINAULT RIVER". (1912) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 9 of The North American Indian (Salishan tribes of the coast. The Chimakum and the Quilliute. The Willapa). Measures approximately 7-3/4x6-1/2", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Couple of minuscule stains at outer edge of page mount, not even close to image area. Serene view of the mouth of the river; several boats in foreground, with men poling a couple of them. Nice historical record. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $695.00.
"QUINAULT HOUSES". (1912) An original gravure on tissue from Volume 9 of The North American Indian (Salishan tribes of the coast. The Chimakum and the Quilliute. The Willapa). Measures approximately 7-3/4x6-1/2", lightly "tacked" to its original volume page. Nice view of a couple of Indian wood houses set back from the river's edge, surrounded by trees. Some huge driftwood on stony beach area. Nice historical record. Classic image, in the brown ink tones of the Curtis publication. One of less than 20 of this image ever printed on tissue. Price: $695.00.
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