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The Snake Priest, 1914

 Item — Folder: Unknown
Identifier: TU2009.39.8387.17

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

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

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

Repository Details

Part of the Gilcrease Museum/Helmerich Center for American Research Repository

Contact:

918-631-6403