Piegan Blackfoot
The history of the elderly man smoking his pipe in this photograph is unknown. What is known is that he belonged to the Piegan people. The Piegan people were the largest of the three tribes that made up the Blackfoot nation. The Piegans were initially agriculturalists until they went far enough south to begin buffalo hunting, and they are still known today for their strong worrier culture. This led to conflict with several other tribes, and the Blackfoot nation became famed for its military power. The Piegans’ reign came to an end with a failed buffalo hunt, and widespread famine decimated the population.
Piegan Blackfoot
Nampeyo
Nampeyo was a well-known potter and artist from the Hopi Nation in southern Arizona. Her ability to recreate and innovate classic Hopi styles became well-known, and she is credited with being the pioneer of contemporary Hopi artistic pottery. Nampeyo used all of the traditional methods of pottering and painting, using yucca plant leaves as a brush. Nampeyo’s fame increased to the point where she and her husband were invited to an exhibition in Chicago to showcase her ceramics and skills. Nampeyo was active between the nineteenth and early twentieth century and is known for her elaborate designs and superb craftsmanship.
Nampeyo
