Sixth plate tintype studio portrait of a Northern Plains Native American family, depicting two women seated with a young child between them. The subjects are dressed in richly adorned garments featuring intricate beadwork, patterned leggings, and distinctive necklaces, each element a testament to the artistry and cultural identity of their community. Their hair is worn in traditional braids, and both women are layered with strands of trade beads and shell ornaments, reflecting both personal adornment and cultural symbolism.

The group is posed in a photographer’s studio against a painted backdrop, with the subjects’ steady gaze meeting the camera in an expression of quiet dignity. The image’s clarity reveals fine detail in the beaded floral motifs, concho belts, and fringed textiles. The child’s attire echoes that of the adults, underscoring the importance of passing down cultural traditions through generations.

Tintypes of Native American subjects from this period are scarce, particularly formal studio compositions featuring women and children in full regalia. This image offers both ethnographic and artistic significance, preserving a moment of cultural pride during an era of profound change for Indigenous peoples in North America. The photograph remains a compelling record of resilience, identity, and family ties in the late 19th century.