Moki Children waiting for Candy c. 1900

Adam Clark Vroman created this photograph titled "Moki Children Waiting for Candy" using an unspecified photographic process. The image, printed on what appears to be a playing card, presents an interesting interplay between the documentary and the symbolic. The sepia tones lend a historical gravity to the scene, while the card format introduces an element of chance and perhaps a commentary on the value—or perceived value—of the subjects depicted. Vroman's composition, with the gathering of children centered within the oval frame, emphasizes the communal aspect of the scene. The stark contrast between the light background and the darker figures heightens the sense of anticipation. This contrast might also symbolize the cultural differences inherent in the act of offering candy to indigenous children, suggesting a power dynamic. The incorporation of the playing card format adds a layer of complexity. Does it serve as a comment on the commodification of culture? Or does it hint at the unpredictability of historical encounters? The “2” of hearts introduces themes of duality and affection, which seem ironic given the ambiguous nature of the colonial exchange depicted. The image, as a result, destabilizes fixed meanings.