[Native Americans] Spurr, Ervin Willard.
Group of Photographs of Native American Actors
Group of five large original photographs of Native American actors of the 1920's. Included are portraits of Chief Clear Sky (a mirror-image print of another extant photograph), Chief Luxosier (English name Billie Harris), Chief Big Tree (two photographs), and "Morning Sky" of the Mission Players of San Gabriel (also known as Poppy Nistfall, or possibly Anapole Del Vando). Most stamped or signed in the image by the photographer, E. Willard Spurr; each actor identified on the verso, two with credit stamps from the photographer also to the verso. Four trimmed 11 x 14 prints and one larger 14 x 18 print on cream card. Some small stains, edge wear and small tears; overall fine.Ervin Willard Spurr was born in 1869 New York and grew up in Iowa, where he established his reputation as a photographer, before moving his studio to Pasadena. Among his subjects was Albert Einstein. A collection of his photographs of Native American actors is held at the Library of Congress. Among the actors he photographed was Chief Thunderbird, who acted in Westerns of the 1930's such as Custer's Last Stand and Annie Oakley.
The Mission Players of San Gabriel participated in a 1919 parade in Pasadena, according to the Pasadena Star-News: "The beautiful and elaborate entry of the Mission Play was a representation of the San Gabriel Mission at the height of its glory. Spanish dancers and musicians in colorful costumes gave life to the picture. The float was preceded by a group of real Indians, giving their Indian dances." (17818)
Film Unsigned Photo