The collection consists of two (2) drawings by James Gilcrest Swan.
Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or National Anthropological Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.
Biographical Note:
James Gilchrist Swan (1818–1900) was an American writer, artist, collector of Native American artifacts, and political advisor who is known for his study of indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Born in Massachusetts, he spent most of his adult life in the Washington Territory. His prolific writing documented both pioneer society and indigenous cultures. The Smithsonian Institution hired Swan to collect Pacific Northwest Coast artifacts for the 1876 world's fair in Philadelphia, the 1884 fair in London, and the 1893 exposition in Chicago. Swan died in Port Townsend in 1900.
Local Numbers:
NAA MS 129776
Related Materials:
The National Anthropological Archives holds additional drawings by James G. Swan in MS 3987 and MS 76608.
Restrictions:
The collection is open for research.
Access to the collection requires an appointment.
Rights:
Contact the repository for terms of use.
Genre/Form:
Watercolors
Works of art
Citation:
James G. Swan drawings of a Tlingit house and salmon carving, National Anthropological Archives, Smithsonian Institution
