Rare, original, ca1900, Cabinet Card Photograph of Ponca
Indian Couple in traditional dress - the Brave named “The Warrior” and
wearing an Indian Police Badge. This wonderful, period, Card Mount
Photograph measures approx. 3 7/8” x 5 3/8” and is mounted on its
original Card Mount (overall size is 4 1/4” x 6 1/2”). A period,
manuscript inscription in the reverse has been crudely retraced but we
can make out the underlying words as “Barrber(?) Warrior, Indian Police,
Ponca Indians”. We do know that in 1901 a Ponca Indian named simply “The
Warrior” is listed as one of only 4 Indian Police at Ponca City,
Oklahoma. In the image the Brave stands straight backed as does his
wife. “The Warrior” wears quite elaborate, traditional Native American
dress including a single eagle feather, beaded moccasins, and fringed,
buckskin pants. In his left hand, however, he holds what appear to be a
Knights Templar Sword. The Card Mount is impressed with the name of the
Photographer - Mystic Studios of Ponca City, Oklahoma which leads us to
the identification of the male as “The Warrior” found on the Indian
Police Roster of 1902.
This photograph and the other Indian images being sold
this week on eBay, came to us from a recently downsized, small College
Museum in Oklahoma.
This wonderful, original Cabinet Card Photograph is in
very good condition. The image is clean, crisp with sharp focus, strong
contrast and rich tonality. The Card Mount is crisp, sound and intact
with only the slightest amount of edge wear and a small chip at the
upper right hand corner (not affecting the photograph itself). A very
rare and very attractive, ca1900, Cabinet Card Photo of a Ponca Indian
Policeman and his wife and a fantastic addition to any Native American
Photograph collection!!