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1903. The Zuni elder Si Wa Wata Wa. Who does not look like someone who put up with much nonsense. Photograph by Edward S. Curtis. View full size.
Thank you for posting this picture. I am part Zuni, Hopi, and Laguna. I have never seen a historic picture of a Zuni person like this. It's always wonderful to see a part of history, especially when its personal and a part of who I am.
I was recently in New Mexico and bought some turquoise jewelry from his granddaughter. At least I think she was; They both carried the same expression. And for what I paid, she was the winner!
Just finished this week "Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West" by Cormac McCarthy and so this image hit me at a moment of reflection on the plight of the native Americans.
I wouldn't back-talk either one of them that's for sure. I think I would have to put my money on Elder Si Wa Wata Wa though. Indians were usually well trained in a closer in, hand-to-hand style of combat I think.
"Freedom to be your best means nothing unless you're willing to do your best."
-- Colin Powell
He's a handsome man! I wonder how old an "elder" is? A few short decades later he might have made it big in Hollywood.
Who would win in a fight between this guy and John L. Burns, the old hero of Gettysburg? I think it would be a close contest.
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