Vintage photograph of Black Bird Chief (c)1899 by Heyn Photo, Omaha for Sale

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Vintage photograph of Black Bird Chief (c)1899 by Heyn Photo, Omaha For Sale

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Vintage photograph of Black Bird Chief (c)1899 by Heyn Photo, Omaha:
$65.00

“Black Bird, Chief” is a magnificent nineteenth century Native American treasure that presents the observer with a stirring image of a noble chieftain of a great tribe. More importantly, the image captures the defining dignity and courageous character of all proud Native American tribes.

The photograph is an exquisite black and white full-length standing portrait of a peaceable Lakota Chief. Every subtle detail of Black Bird’s beaded buckskin ceremonial dress and eagle feather bonnet is revealed. The chief is holding a carved ceremonial pipe in his right hand and a sling club adorned with eagle feathers in his left.

The city of Omaha, host city to the Trans-Mississippi & International Exposition of 1898, was the site from which Herman Heyn shot his many native American portraits. The exposition, alternately known as the Omaha World’s Fair, was organized by the prominent civic organization Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben (Nebraska spelled backward).

The Indian Congress of 1898, after which this portrait had been taken, was held in conjunction with the Trans-Mississippi & International Exposition of 1898. The Indian Congress was a monumental event that brought together five hundred tribal delegates, representing more than thirty tribes. Chief Black Bird brought along some thirty delegates when he attended the Indian Congress.

Noted photographer Herman Heyn (1852-192?) captured this superb photograph immediately after the Indian Congress of 1898. This stunning 9” x 12” image is believed to be among the finest examples of Heyn’s series of Native American studies. Heyn, Reinhart, Jackson, and other photographers of the era often marketed prints of their works as souvenirs at subsequent Fairs and Expos, such as the Pan-American Exposition of 1901 or Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904. Sadly, precious few of these classic images have survived the rages of time.

This elegant artifact is a rare print that was developed by Herman Heyn from the original plate glass negative. Tragically, all of Heyn’s prints and plate glass negatives were destroyed in a devastating fire at his studio in 1906.

9x12 image. This appears to not be the original frame.

I will sell the image alone for $60 with $5.95 shipping. If interested let me know and I will repost without frame.