[BELL, Charles M. (1848-1893), photographer]. Albumen photograph of the Ponca Delegation. Washington, DC, 1877.

13 1/2 x 16 3/4 in. albumen photograph on 14 x 18 in. mount, recording the Ponca Delegation to Washington, DC, 14 November 1877, taken by Charles M. Bell.

Pictured back row, left to right: Big Snake. -- John Baptiste Barnaby (interpreter, Otoe/Pawnee). -- White Eagle. -- Charles LeClaire (interpreter, Ponca/French Canadian). -- The Chief. Pictured front row, left to right: Black Crow. -- Big Elk. -- Standing Bear. -- Standing Buffalo Bull. -- White Swan, also known as Frank LaFlesche, Sr. (Ponca/French Canadian). -- Smoke Maker II. Hairy Grizzly Bear is shown reclining on the floor.

Although the commissioner of Indian Affairs refused to authorize the delegation, the Poncas decided to travel to Washington anyway to complain that unwarranted attention was being paid to their Sioux enemies.

Provenance: American Indian Photography Collection of John W. Painter (1929-2008); Cowan's, American History, 15 November 2019, Lot 403.

The Larry Ness Collection of Native American Photography

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Toning to print, with minor areas of uneven toning on top and bottom margins (likely a result of being framed previously). Mount has been trimmed.

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Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography, including The Larry Ness Collection of Native American Photography

[BELL, Charles M. (1848-1893), photographer]. Albumen photograph of the Ponca Delegation. Washington, DC, 1877.

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