Alaska's First People

Arthur C Pillsbury photographed the native people of Alaska and was trusted and invited into their homes because he expressed the respect he felt for them and interest in learning from them about how they viewed the world.  We are still working to locate copies of the other photos which Pillsbury took. These are from his 1898 visit to Alaska. 

74 Tlingit Chief Shakes big house interior Wrangell, Alaska 1898

85 Tlingit Chief Kaschish and wife pose inside home, Alaska, 1898

421 Visiting Chilkats Watching Dance at the Klukwan Potlach. Oct. 11. 1898.

422 Tlingit dancers at potlatch, Klukwan, Alaska, October 14, 1898

424 Tlingit dancers at potlatch with painted boards, Klukwan, Alaska, October 14, 1898

426 Stick_Dance PILLSBURY 1898

Tlingit carved wood figures under tree, Klukwan, Alaska, 1898

Tlingit known as Chief Lot's big house (interior), Wrangell, Alaska, 1898

Tlingit wood carver known as Yucast in his studio, Alaska, 1898