"Welcome Golden Voiced Eagle" - Press Photograph with Oglala Tribe Members

Press photograph of the American contralto with four Native Americans of the Oglala Tribe in ceremonial dress.  The typewritten press note mounted to to the lower portion of the photograph reads "Welcome Golden Voiced Eagle / For services to the Indian Fellowship Society Cyrena Van Gordon, prima donna of the Chicago Civic Opera company, was adopted recently into the Ogallah [sic.] Sioux tribe and was christened Golden Voiced Eagle.  She is seen here receiving congratulations of Princess Silver Toes.  Chief Buffalo Bear and Mrs. Buffalo Bear are shown in the back ground."  Top margin trimmed, else in fine condition.  With press note, measures 8 x 14 inches (20.3 x 35.6 cm.). Most unusual!

Cyrena van Gordon, born Cyrena Pocock, made her debut with the Chicago Opera in 1913 as Amneris in Aida.  Her repertoire included Boris Godunov, Lohengrin, and Samson et Dalila, among others.  She made a brief appearance with the Metropolitan Opera during the 1933 season, once again playing Amneris.  She was part of the 1935 American première of Iphigénie en Aulide, and spent the latter years of her career teaching in New York City. (20821)

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Opera

Unsigned Photograph

History & Historiography

Culture, Ethnicity & Gender

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