The Shadow Catcher's treasure

Nicknamed "Shadow Catcher," Curtis immortalized, among others, Red Cloud, Chief Joseph, Medicine Crow and many other Native American chiefs, but also ordinary people, scenes from everyday life and the last Native American villages. Passionate to register the 'sacred legacy' of native nations, Curtis also strove to preserve the oral tradition, recording 10,000 songs and chants, as well as 350 myths told in more than 75 native languages.

His efforts produced a reference work entitled The North American Indian 1907-1930. Published in a print run of only 272 copies, it numbered no less than 20 volumes. Underestimated at the time of its publication, the book was rediscovered in the 1970s, and today is regarded as one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of both photography and anthropology. The exhibition at the Ethnographical Museum, co-organized by the American Embassy, presents 60 prints from the private collection of Christopher Cardozo, a photographer and leading Curtis expert.

Sacred Legacy: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indian is at the Ethnographical Museum, ul. Kredytowa 1, Warsaw, until June 25

Ewa Meducka/

Warsaw Insider