Chief of the Spokanes [Spokan Garry (c. 1811-1892)] 1880 - 1892

Editor: Here we see a portrait, entitled "Chief of the Spokanes," taken by A.C. Bailey. It's a photograph, sepia-toned, and the subject's gaze is quite direct. What stands out to you? Curator: The photograph's power lies in its complex negotiation of representation. Consider the subject, Spokan Garry, in Western clothing. The image operates within a broader historical context of photographers documenting, and in many ways, constructing, a visual record of Native Americans. How do you think this impacts its reception? Editor: So, the image isn't just a neutral depiction, but a product of its time, shaping how people viewed Native Americans? Curator: Precisely. It's a form of visual politics, reflecting and reinforcing dominant cultural narratives. The photographer's studio location in Spokane, Washington, a site of considerable cultural exchange and conflict, further emphasizes this point. It makes you think about the power dynamic at play. Editor: I see what you mean; this makes me consider the choices made in creating and circulating this image and their lasting effects. Curator: Indeed. It forces us to confront the role of photography in shaping historical perceptions and power structures.