The Snake Priest, 1914
Description
Leather album page with a photograph of a bronze Indian, Hopi Medicine Man, and a rattle snake. Remarks for the photograph include, "the rattle snake is very sacred among the Hopi Indians as he has the power to bring rain and many are used to carry out their religious snake dance. Snake priests go out into the desert to catch as many as they need and in order to catch them they tickle them with a bunch of eagle feathers called 'a snake whip' until they uncoil and start to wriggle away. The priest then catches them by the neck with his bare hands and puts them in a bag. The one who catches the greatest number is much favored by Sun, the most powerful God of their religion, who gives heat, light, and life to the earth."
Dates
- 1914
Creator
- Sack, George D. (Author, Person)
Language of Materials
Materials in English
Access Restrictions
Available by appointment only at the Helmerich Center for American Research (HCAR) with the exception of materials with donor restrictions. Contact Library staff in advance to inquire if materials exist pertaining to your research interests.
Extent
From the Collection: 1 extent_missing
Credit Line
Gilcrease Museum/The University of Tulsa
Provenance
Britzman Collection
Medium
gelatin silver process
Dimensions
Overall: 11 x 7 in. (27.9 x 17.8 cm)
Notes
The Homer and Helen Britzman collection consists of over 10,000 objects belonging to Charles M. Russell including letters, drawings, personal belongings, photos, and other memorabilia. Homer Britzman worked extensively with Charles Russell’s wife, Nancy, to write Russell’s biography. Chain of custody: Nancy Russell, Homer and Helen Britzman, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Amon Carter (inventoried collection in 1997), Gilcrease Management Trust (will become property of TU Special Collections if management agreement between TU and the City of Tulsa is severed).
Previous Number
E.407 (Colorado Springs number)
Creator
- Sack, George D. (Author, Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Gilcrease Museum/Helmerich Center for American Research Repository
918-631-6403