Images of women in Curtis’s masterful collection express strength and character. Women were photographed going about the plethora of daily activities that kept everyone fed, clean, and cared for, including gathering food and firewood, cleaning game, cooking, fetching water, and caring for their children – not to mention home repairs when needed. They also posed for Curtis wearing everything from their most elegant wedding attire to plain work clothes.

Image: Edward S. Curtis (America, 1868-1952), A Heavy Load-Sioux, 1908, volume 3, plate 100, photogravure on Dutch Van Gelder paper, 15 11/16×11 3/4 in., gift of the Dubuque Cultural Preservation Committe, 2009.11.100