Images of Fort Washakie     J.K. Moore Trading Post     Wind River School
  Indian Life Wind River Sundance

Images of the Sun Dance, 1890-1920

The photographs below are some of the earliest documented Shoshone or Arapaho Sun Dances.  This sacred ceremony was and is the spiritual core of Shoshone and Arapaho life.  The participants, who endure three days of total fasting (without both food and water), pray and dance for the Creator to bestow blessings and health for their families and communities.  The round photos are attributed to J. K. Moore, Jr.  Most of these appear to be from a Sundance given in the 1890s, as Chief Washakie (born c.1804-1810, d. 1900) is seen in one of them.  The rectangular photos are from the 1920s or early 1930s. 

Sundance Lodge at a distance Communtiy around Sundance Lodge Comunity around Sundance Lodge Chief Washakie walking from the Sundance Lodge Dancing to the Center Pole Sundancers Inside Sundance Lodge Singers at the Drum Sundance lodge with buffalo head at center pole Praying at the Center Pole Outside the Sundance Lodge Outside the Lodge Dick Washakie at Sundance Receiving Blessings Gathered Community Horses at the Sundance

 

Images of Fort Washakie     J.K. Moore Trading Post     Wind River School
  Indian Life Wind River Sundance