24

Edward S. Curtis

(1868 - 1952)

Signal Fire to the Mountain Gods, ca. 1909

silver gelatin toned border print
Negative Date: ca. 1909
Print Date: ca. 1909
Unknown, Southwest

This epic piece has inspired compositions by Jean Dube, Henry Gilbert, and Dario Miller. It documents practices paralleling the reverence for the power that links earth and sky in many Native traditions (e.g. The Willamette Meteorite). And it captures the solemnity of the moment when smoke carries words and prayers to the Gods.
7 5/8 x 5 5/8 in. (19.37 x 14.29 cm.), Paper: 10 x 7 13/16 in. (25.40 x 19.84 cm.)

  • Provenance: Edward Curtis Studio, Seattle
    Private Collection(s)
    The Christopher G. Cardozo Collection, 2002
  • Exhibited:
    Edward S. Curtis: 100 Masterworks, 2016
    Sacred Legacy: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indian (176 print exhibit), 2000

    Publication History - Image:
    The Flute of the Gods, Marah Ellis Ryan, Frederick A. Stokes, NY 1909, Pg. 129
  • Condition: This print is in excellent condition overall. There are minor spots of emulsion loss at the upper and lower margin edges. There are very minor, scattered areas of surface rubbing and the margin edges, visible only in strong, direct light.

    The condition reports for the lots offered by Santa Fe Art Auction (SFAA) are provided as a courtesy and convenience for potential buyers. The reports are not intended to nor do they substitute for physical examination by a buyer or the buyer's advisors. The condition reports are prepared by SFAA staff members who are not art conservators or restorers, nor do they possess the qualifications needed for comprehensive evaluation. Each condition report is an opinion of the staff member and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The absence of a condition report does not imply anything as to the condition of a particular lot. Buyers are reminded that the limited warranties are set forth in the Terms and Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition. Each lot is sold as-is.


    The condition reports for the lots offered by Santa Fe Art Auction (SFAA) are provided as a courtesy and convenience for potential buyers. The reports are not intended to nor do they substitute for physical examination by a buyer or the buyer's advisors. The condition reports are prepared by SFAA staff members who are not art conservators or restorers, nor do they possess the qualifications needed for comprehensive evaluation. Each condition report is an opinion of the staff member and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The absence of a condition report does not imply anything as to the condition of a particular lot. Buyers are reminded that the limited warranties are set forth in the Terms and Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition. Each lot is sold as-is.

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June 26, 2021 10:00 AM MDT
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