Initiation Into the Kiowa Tribe
No Place of Publication: Leslie Van Ness Denman, [1955]. Oblong quarto, 11 x 8.5", [15] blue paper leaves bound with metal hooks, containing 15 photos (13 mounted, two laid in loose), typed title to front cover reading "Initiation into the Kiowa Tribe. Copyright Leslie Van Ness Denman." 12 of the photos are black and white, measuring 6.75 x 4.75", on larger photographic paper; one photo is in color and measures 10 x 8". The two laid in photos are enlargements of one of the mounted images. A privately published photo album documenting the initiation into the Kiowa Tribe of Leslie Van Ness Denman, a San Francisco resident who was the granddaughter of mayor James Van Ness and the wife of Chief Justice William Denman of the United States Court of Appeals. Denman was active for many years in promoting the welfare of Native American tribes, primarily the Navajo and Hopi. She wrote several works on Native American legends, many printed by the Grabhorn Press, collected Native American art, and and served on the Indian Lore committee for the Golden Gate International Exposition. The images in the album show an elderly Denman participating in the initiation, accompanied by tribal members in traditional clothing, shown dancing, and presenting a feather to Denman. We locate one other copy, at the Library of Congress, which offers a date of 1955. Creasing to covers and pages, corners a bit curled, circular ring stain to front cover, images in excellent condition. Item #12687
Price: $750.00