cover of 1994 book”The Face Pullers”.
Toronto. Even before the 1870s, our Native Canadians were often chosen as subjects by photographers. The Native Canadians described these photographers as ‘Face Pullers’. Brock Silversides captured a segment of these photos in his 1994 book titled, “
Bob Wilson did a review of the book in issue 20-3. His review begins, “Natives have always been popular subjects, both for photographers taking pictures and for people buying them. This was true in the 1840s and 1850s when photography was just beginning. And it is true today, with such photographs eagerly sought by collectors.
“Brock Silversides presents a fine selection of photographs of Native Canadians. These were made in areas in Canada which now comprise the central and southern portions of the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. 1871 was the starting date, when the first photographs of the Native People in this area were taken by Charles Horetzky.
“Silversides begins with a brief summary of the people who made these photographs. They fall into several groups: the survey photographers (including Horetzky), the itinerants who travelled through the area, the resident professional photographers, and the amateur photographers.
“Silversides then deals with the ‘generally accepted truism’ that natives did not like to have their photograph taken, and has included some interesting quotations from accounts of the photographers about difficulties that they encountered.”
Members can read the rest of Bob’s book review in the 20-3 pdf file on the free members-only DVD. Don’t have the DVD? Why not become a member – joining is easy! Check out the MEMBERSHIP sub-menu above (especially the Membership Form) and the PayPal article at right. Send payment with the form or send the form after using your credit card/PayPal account. Any questions? Email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca. Membership in our society is rewarding – and also inexpensive.
