Large Group Of Armed Chiricahua Apache Indians

C. S.--PHOTOGRAPHER FLY

Other works by C. S.--PHOTOGRAPHER FLY

Publication: C S FLY GALLERY, 1886, TOMBSTONE, ARIZONA

Original Photograph of armed Chiricahua Apaches Indians scattered across a hillside, taken at a distance, and posed; as is typical of Fly's ability to have his subjects respond to his direction for a photograph. Boudoir Card. Image: 8.125" wide x 4.875" high. Mount: 8.5" wide x 5.375" high. A large group of armed Apache men widely scattered on a hillside, with what appears to be several men, assumed to be U.S. Army officers and soldiers. Although we have seen instances when this photograph has been identified as Geronimo's hostile Apaches, the description handwritten on the back of this image says: "Scout's under Lieut. Maus." Lieutenant Marion P. Maus commanded the Apache Scouts in General Crook's campaign into Mexico, in pursuit of Geronimo and Natchez, earning the Congressional Medal of Honor for conspicuous bravery in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Mexico in January, 1886. Camillus S. Fly was the most famous photographer in the Southwest. Known for photographs of the early development of Tombstone and the region, as well as OK corral photographs, but he was most famous for his photographs of the Chiricahua Apaches, led by Geronimo, as they negotiated with General Crook and the U.S. Army, for terms of their surrender and return to United States. Historically, those photographs are noted as the only images of Native Americans taken while they were still at war. Fly accompanied the Army column to the Canon de Los Embudos, site of the meeting of General Crook and Geronimo, and captured many great photographs that have remained historically important. This photograph has some moderate fading and some general tanning to the image. Stamp on verso identifies it as a Fly image: "FLY'S GALLERY. TOMBSTONE, ARIZ C.S. Fly Proprietor.". Very Good overall condition.

Inventory Number: 54738