Untitled (group of unidentified Native Americans in traditional dress, three men standing, two women seated, two children seated on floor) 1876 - 1899

Curator: This sepia-toned photograph presents a group of unidentified Native Americans, captured by Charles D. Eisenmann. Editor: The formality of the setting clashes with the weight of their expressions. It feels… performative, yet poignant. Curator: Absolutely. The regalia—the headdresses, the beaded garments—speak to deeply embedded cultural identities. Think about the symbolism of feathers, the stories woven into each stitch. Editor: And what about the studio itself? Eisenmann's studio was located on the Bowery in New York City, a commercial hub. These photographic portraits became commodities. Curator: Precisely. This image is a complex artifact, holding layers of meaning. It prompts us to consider cultural representation, its impact and the photographer’s role. Editor: Agreed. It makes me consider the labor involved in creating those garments too. These objects were made to be seen and experienced. Curator: A potent intersection of cultural presence, historical record, and material reality.