Edward Sherriff Curtis was an American photographer and ethnologist who was funded by J.P. Morgan to produce a series on Native Americans. He was to produce 20 volumes and 1,500 photographs for the work. Curtis's goal was not just to photograph but also to document as much of Native American traditional life as possible before that way of life disappeared. He took over 40,000 photographic images of members of over 80 tribes. He recorded tribal lore and history, and he described traditional foods, housing, garments, recreation, ceremonies, and funeral customs. He wrote biographical sketches of tribal leaders. His material, in most cases, is the only written recorded history. - Summary by Wikipedia
