Some old Indian photographs (photo diary)

Washington’s Sacajawea State Park is located at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers. In explaining the cultural and historical significance of this place, many historic photographs of Indians are on display in the park and in the Sacajawea Museum which is located in the park.

 photo P1120666_zpsxbjdouat.jpg The Museum is shown above.

According to one display:

“The Wanapum, Yakama, Walulapum (Walla Walla), Umatilla, Palouse and Nez Perce have called this place home since time immemorial. The people thrived here, using an intimate knowledge of the land and cooperatively sharing the gifts of the earth.”

 photo P1120617_zps0vrye7tt.jpg Here a group of women are shown in front of a traditional mat lodge.

According to the display:

“The extended family of Palouse, Wanapum and Yakama people lived in a communal mat lodge near the present site of Sacajawea State Park.”

 photo P1120621_zpsfjxpxnsl.jpg Shown above is a Wanapum village photographed in the 1940s. The village was located near the present-day Priest Rapids Dam.  photo P1120625_zpsdskilstc.jpg A Cayuse mother and child from about 1910 in a photograph by Edward Curtis.  photo P1120629_zpsjnbb2itj.jpg Drumming and singing are important in Native cultures. The Expedition was greeted here with drumming and singing.  photo P1120630_zpsqbmzai6e.jpg  photo P1120711_zpsknlzfeix.jpg A Mandan woman tends her crops. The Mandans were a farming people who lived in villages along the Missouri River.  photo P1120712_zps3jnuubra.jpg Shown above is a round hide boat known as a bull boat.  photo P1120723_zpshofoagox.jpg Shoshone Chief Tendoy is shown above.  photo P1120730_zps6ichm7mn.jpg  photo P1120747_zpsac7wdprs.jpg Shown above is Johnny Buck, a Wanapum leader.  photo P1120748_zpsdy6as9qv.jpg Shown above is Chief Bones, Palouse.  photo P1120749_zpsu0oaectl.jpg Shown above is Peopeo Maksmaks, Walulapum chief, 1905.  photo P1120750_zps3yjmlcw6.jpg Shown above is a Nez Perce man, 1905.  photo P1120751_zpsnseairmy.jpg Shown above is Yakama leader Kamiakin in 1864.  photo P1120752_zpselm4bwdn.jpg Shown above are some Umatilla men in 1900.  photo P1120780_zpstnlylv6z.jpg Fishing was an important economic activity. The Plateau cultures depended on salmon.  photo P1120819_zpspcilbfgt.jpg Shown above are Wanapum root gathers in the 1950s. They are celebrating the Spring Root Festival.

According to the display:

“Ceremonies of thanksgiving ensure earth’s continued bounty. In spring, the first gathering of plants and the return of salmon are reaffirmed through first food feasts. The people gather to celebrate this renewal and sing ritual songs thanking the salmon for giving its life to feed the people. Such ceremonies remind people that traditional laws must be observed.”

According to the display:

“Since time immemorial, Plateau people have recognized they share a common home with salmon. Tradition emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between the two. When people respect streams and rivers, salmon will return to spawn. This idea of stewardship is one all can embrace and helps protect our natural resources for future generations.”

 photo P1120821_zpsviaropua.jpg Shown above are two Yakama women in 1896.  photo P1120825_zpslfbxqmhr.jpg  photo P1120826_zpsnvasmm2w.jpg  photo P1120843_zpsmv9ubqal.jpg

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