Original Large-Format Photograph Of Hostile Lakota Sioux Camp At Pine Ridge Reservation, Days After Wounded Knee

JOHN C. H.-PHOTOGRAPHER GRABILL

Other works by JOHN C. H.-PHOTOGRAPHER GRABILL

Publication: J C H Grabill, 1891, Deadwood and Lead City, South Dakota

Original silver albumen Photograph of the large camp of hostile Lakota Sioux along White Clay Creek, about 15 miles north of the Pine Ridge Agency, on January 16, 1891...18 days after the bloody battle at Wounded Knee. Exceptionally large format. Image: 12.75" wide x 9.75" high. Mount: 13.75" wide x 10.25". The Ghost Dance activity and increasing hostility of the Lakota Sioux, combined with the killing of Sitting Bull in Dakota Territory, by Indian Police, on December 15, 1890, set the stage for the events at Wounded Knee on December 29, 1890. John C. H. Grabill, a professional photographer of the Black Hills region, took his camera to Pine Ridge upon receiving news of Wounded Knee. He is best known for the photographs that he took of the Indians and military in the days immediately after Wounded Knee. This is a photograph titled in the negative: "The Great Hostile Camp" Largest Indian Camp in the World, near Pine Ridge, S. D., Jan. 16, 1891. Photo. and copyright 1891 by Grabill, 1891. Deadwood, S. D.. The camp covered an area of 3 miles on both sides of White Clay Creek. With continued hostilities from this camp the day after Wounded Knee, the leaders of this hostile camp surrendered to Brigadier General Nelson A. Miles on January 15, 1891...the day before this photograph was taken. The image is an expansive view of the camp, with hundreds of tipis, some wagons, and a few cows and horses. In the background, among more tipis, the Drexel Mission can be seen. The image is clean and clear. Noteworthy issues of condition: The upper third of the image is a clear sky, and a previous owner framed this image in combination with some small images, along the upper portion of the photograph, resulting in some very slight difference in the slight tanning of the upper sky portion of the photograph. In addition, in framing the photograph, the previous owner trimmed the upper edge of the mount and the top half-inch of the photograph, with a couple of very small scuffs near top edge and 2 half-inch closed tears to the upper edge. Lastly, previous owner wrote in pen, along bottom edge of mount: "Pine Ridge, South Dakota 1891" and his name (partially inked out). Why do people do what they do? I don't know, but nevertheless, we are pleased to offer this important image, despite its minor issues of original condition. Along the right side edge of the mount the following is printed: J. C. H. Grabill. Official Photographer Of The Black Hills And F. P. R. R., & Home Stake Mining Co. Studios: Deadwood And Lead City, South Dakota. Copyrighted. A Handsome Reward given for detection of any one copying any of my Photographic Views. Send for Grabill's Catalogue of Pictures. Grabill's regional photographs are valuable images, especially those of the aftermath of Wounded Knee, with 188 of his photographs retained in the Library of Congress. A great historical image of this huge hostile Sioux encampment. Especially desirable in this unusually large format.

Inventory Number: 54474