Human Studies Film Archives

Guide to the William Meggers films of American Indians, 1927-1931

Summary

Collection ID:
HSFA.1994.16
Creators:
Meggers, William F. (William Frederick), 1888-1966
Dates:
1927-1931
Languages:
No linguistic content; Not applicable
.
Physical Description:
1 Film reel
3 minutes
black-and-white silent; 77 feet
16mm
Repository:

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents
Footage mostly concerns public dances and demonstrations by Blackfeet Indians who appeared in Maryland, Menominee on the Keshina Reservation, and Hopi at the El tovar Hotel near Grand Canyon. Subject matter appears to be a powwow, or a public exhibition of Native American skills, including scenes of a parade on horseback, oxen pulling wagons, dancing, canoing, adults and children in native dress, and interaction with tourists.
Legacy Keywords: Animals horses United States ; Animals on parade United States ; Animals oxen United States ; Celebrations powwows United States ; Exhibitions powwows United States ; Festivals powwows United States ; Adornment United States ; Costumes native dress United States ; Costumes headdresses United States ; Costumes feather United States ; Dancing United States ; Dwellings adobe United States ; Adobe housing United States ; Boats canoes United States ; Tourism tourists United States ; Hopi dance El Tovar Hotel
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 As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today.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 Anthropology Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.

Administration

Custodial History
Previously titled "William Meggers Footage of American Indians 1927, 1929, 1931."
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Transferred from the National Anthropological Archives in 1994.
Processing Information
Titles are supplied by the archivist for untitled films.

Using the Collection

Conditions Governing Use
Contact the repository for terms of use.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research. Please contact the archives for information on availability of access copies of audiovisual recordings. Original audiovisual material in the Human Studies Film Archives may not be played.
Preferred Citation
William Meggers films of American Indians, Human Studies Film Archives, Smithsonian Institution

More Information

Local Number

Local Number
HSFA 1994.16.1


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
North America Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Arizona Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Maryland Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Wisconsin Geographic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Niitsitapii (Blackfoot/Blackfeet) Cultural Context Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Hopi Pueblo Cultural Context Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Menominee (Menomini) Cultural Context Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
silent films Genre Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

Human Studies Film Archives
Museum Support Center
4210 Silver Hill Road
Suitland 20746
hsfa@si.edu