CURRIER, Frank F. (1841-1887), photographer. Stereoview of Indian trader and Interpreter Julius Meyer and Sioux chiefs, incl. Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, Swift Bear, and Spotted Tail. Omaha, NE, 1875.

Stereoview on cardstock mount of Julius Meyer posed in a studio setting with four Sioux chiefs, Frank F. Currier's Omaha, Nebraska imprint on mount recto and verso. With manuscript identification in lower margin and printed applied paper label on mount verso identifying Meyer and the Sioux chiefs, including Sitting Bull (not the Sitting Bull associated with Custer's Last Stand), Swift Bear, Spotted Tail, and Red Cloud. An additional period notation on verso describes the scene as follows, "This Picture was taken in the summer of 1875, when the Indian Agency and delegation came through Omaha on their way to Washington." A rare photograph taken by Currier as the group was en route to Washington to meet with President Grant to discuss the turmoil in the Black Hills.

Julius Meyer was born in Bromberg, Prussia, 30 March 1839 and emigrated to Nebraska in 1867. It is said he was captured by Sioux during a buffalo hunt and lived with them for several years. Speaking six Indian languages, Meyer was known by the Native Americans as “Curley-Headed White Chief with One Tongue” because of his honesty and as such he served as an Indian interpreter to Congress and as an Indian agent. In addition, Meyer operated the "Indian Wigwam" shop in Omaha, where he advertised himself as Julius Meyer, or "Box-ka-re-she-hash-ta-ka" / Indian Interpreter, Indian Trader, and Dealer in Indian, Chinese and Japanese Curiosities, including Indian art and artifacts, photographs, furs, fossils, and minerals.

The Larry Ness Collection of Native American Photography

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Toning, light soiling. Light edge and corner wear to print.

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Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography, including The Larry Ness Collection of Native American Photography

CURRIER, Frank F. (1841-1887), photographer. Stereoview of Indian trader and Interpreter Julius Meyer and Sioux chiefs, incl. Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, Swift Bear, and Spotted Tail. Omaha, NE, 1875.

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