The collection consists of twelve (12) drawings and one (1) related proofsheet of Haida animal designs made by James G. Swan in 1873.
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 As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today.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 3987
Variant Title:
Copies by James G. Swan of drawings by Haida Indians of mythological animals, some dated 1873
Publication Note:
The drawings were published in:
Swan, James G. "The Haidah Indians of Queen Charlotte's Islands, British Columbia with a Brief Description of their Tattoos, Carvings, Etc." Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge vol 21 (1876).
Restrictions:
The collection is open for research.
Access to the collection requires an appointment.
