Eagle Dance, Pueblo Indians

0422(mu) 

1

Eagle Dance, Pueblo Indians

Taken at Santa Clara. The background is formed by a group of Indians, with tom-tom player in the foreground. Two of the braves, dressed in full war costume, decorated with feathers, go through the steps of this very eccentric dance. Sharp and clear.

Edison 15/03/1898

2

1 Edison n.c. (MU 423).  
2 James White. Frederick Blechynden  
 

One of Mr. White's earlier experiences with Indians was the Santa Clara Pueblos at Santa Clara, New Mexico. Mr. White wanted to photograph one of the Santa Clara's peculiar dances. He called on the head men of the village. The head men said they would consider it. After two days profound reflection the head men called a town meeting to hear Mr. White's proposal. Mr. White stood up in the centre of a solemn circle of red men, women, children and dogs and explained at great length what he wanted to do, why he wanted to do it and when and where and how. Particularly he elucidated his desire and offer from beginning to end, going still more into details. By request he repeated the proposition several times. Then he retired to permit he idea to percolate through the Pueblo comprehension. After three days of deep thought the town people reached the conclusion that they were willing to grant the concession provided the compensation could be made satisfactory. It took two days more to settle upon the sum of $20 as the correct price. The $20, all in good silver coin, had to be paid over before the Pueblos would even allow Mr. White to set upon his tripod. At last all preliminaries were arranged. The dance began. White seized the crank and began to turn.
Kinetoscope cameras in those days were relatively crude affairs. The mechanism made a great clatter. It was too much for the nerves of the Pueblos. With one accord they dropped blankets and all other impedimenta and fled-fled for their lives. They hid behind rocks and adobe houses. Nothing could induce them to face that terrible camera again. White entreated, he expostulated, painful as it is to say so, he even went so far as to swear ! but it was all to no purpose; the Pueblos would not risk their lives and their very souls in front of such a diabolical machine, and that was all there was about it. Mr. White left without any photographs; likewise without his $20.


"Around the world with a Kinetoscope", Brooklyn Daily Eagle, New York, dimanche 31 décembre 1899, p. 17.

3 [03-08]/10/1897. © Thomas A. Edison, 24/02/1898 50 ft
4 États-Unis. [Denver]. [City Park].
 

3

       

4

Contacts