Snake People Woman - Portrait

 
Database ID13765
InstitutionUniversity of Saskatchewan Archives
Fonds/CollectionInstitute for Northern Studies fonds
File/Item ReferenceINS-561 (INS Photos 422-600)
Date of creationn.d.
Physical description/extent1 photograph; b&w; 22 cm x 17 cm
1 negative; b&w; 5 x 4 cm
Number of images1
Historical noteFrom Herstory 1995 / 20th Anniversary Edition / The Canadian's Women's Calendar: "Snake People Woman, of the Blood nation, wears the ceremonial headdress of a member of the Motokiks Society, a secret women's society and companion to the prestigious male Horn Society. It met for four days during the Medicine Lodge ceremonies, and was divided into the Snakes, the Birds, the Bulls and the Scabby Bulls; Snake People Woman's headdress belongs to the latter. Although the society was honoured and its meetings were an opportunity for others to seek prayers and blessings from the Motokiks, ceremonies transferring membership into the society were not oppressively solemn. At least one night was 'given to hilarity. Joke and jest reign supreme. Some dress like men and act out the part...". Quote from: Hungry Wolf, Adolf, 118; from notes made by David Duvall in 1905.
Scope and contentSnake People Woman, seated and posing for camera, wearing ceremonial headdress of the Motokiks Society.
Restrictions on accessThere are no restrictions on access.
ContributerNational Museums of Canada
Copyright holderPublic domain
Copyright expiry datePublic domain
Other terms governing use and reproductionResponsibility regarding questions of copyright that may arise in the use of any images is assumed by the researcher.
TypeArchival
Primary MediaPhotographs
Provenance Access PointUniversity of Saskatchewan. Institute for Northern Studies
Other numbers/identificationNational Museums of Canada Number: J5530.
Treaty boundariesTreaty 7
Cultural regionPlains
SubjectPeople -- Portraits
Women
Ceremonies
Art and Artifacts -- Clothing
Blackfoot Confederacy - Kainai (Blood)
Date Range(s)1920-1929
1930-1939
Permanent Link https://digital.scaa.sk.ca/ourlegacy/permalink/13765