1. Stefansson, Vilhjalmur. Ikpukuak and Higgilak in Copper Eskimo dress (rear view). Rauner Special Collections Library, 1913-1923. Stefansson Collection [stem229_032-27-28-f]
This photograph, taken by Vilhjalmur Stefansson in the early 1900’s, displays two native people of the Coronation Gulf in Canada wearing traditional caribou fur dress. These natives, commonly referred to as the “Copper Eskimos,” are most widely recognized for their substitution of copper for stone in creating tools and weapons. This image illustrates Stefansson’s admiration for the unique relationship between the Copper Eskimo and the environment and indicates the accessibility of the Arctic. During a time of major development and growing interest in the Arctic, Stefansson paid particular attention to the indigenous peoples, playing a controversial role in the future of their communities.
2. Stefansson, Vilhjalmur. Missionary school students, women and priests, in ceremonial dress, along the banks of the Mackenzie River. Rauner Special Collections Library 1906-07. Stefansson Collection [stem226_027]
This photo, taken in June of 1906 by Stefansson, depicts Roman Catholic missionaries and newly converted natives standing along the banks of the Mackenzie River in Northern Canada. Stefansson was particularly invested in the Mackenzie River Delta region, gathering most of his ethological data from the area and even learning the native dialogue spoken there. Between 1906 and 1917, he witnessed a rapid ideological shift to Christianity in the region, a process which undermined traditional ways of life for the Delta Eskimos.