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Received from Tully Seymour in 2014.
Thomas Seymour films, Human Studies Film Archives, Smithsonian Institution
Amateur film of Gallup Ceremonial ca. 1927 and other footage of New Mexico and Arizona including Pueblo Bonito (Chaco), Aztec ruins, 4th of July celebration in Gallup, travels by horse into Canyon de Chelly, Acoma Pueblo. Most footage was taken by donor's father, Thomas Hartley Seymour.
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 As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today.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.
Full film record shot in Gallup, New Mexico, depicting activities associated with the Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial. Footage begins by establishing the surroundings, including pueblo buildings, the desert landscape, and transportation ranging from small covered wagons to cars. Ceremony participants then parade to the ceremonial grounds, dressed in traditional clothing including several examples of headdresses, shawls, and feathered accessories and led by a group of musicians. Once in ceremonial grounds, a large group of men, women, and children watch a range of activities, including: singing, playing drums, several styles of dance by both men and women (some in costume as birds and other animals, others highlighting body paint), foot races, obstacle courses, archery, and awarding trophies. White men and women are glimpsed in the audience, interacting with children, and awarding trophies; most appear to have come in a group. Audience appears to be otherwise American Indian. Film record also includes substantial night footage of ceremonial activities around a bonfire is largely of a dance with hoops, bells, drums, and chanting.
Supplementary materials: annotation
Rites and ceremonies ; Parades ; Games
Local Numbers: HSFA 2014.9.1
Full film record shot in Gallup, New Mexico, depicting activities associated with Fourth of July celebrations both at home and at a rodeo. Initial footage is of a private pool where men, women, and children swim at leisure and pose for the camera. Camera then depicts public spaces in Gallup, including an apparent interaction with a small child. Men await the rodeo on horses and in automobiles, then form a parade; scenes at the rodeo include men riding bucking broncos and roping calves, as well as general fairground footage.
Supplementary materials: annotation
Rites and ceremonies ; Parades ; Rodeos
Local Numbers: HSFA 2014.9.2
Full film record shot in Pueblo Bonito, New Mexico, depicting the remains of ancient structures in Chaco Canyon. Footage explores the pueblo's architectural remains, including a great number of kivas, from several angles. Shots from above include pans of the full complex, while ground-level shots emphasize the scale of the natural setting. Men and women in European dress explore the site on foot, with automobiles and horses present in background of some shots.
Supplementary materials: annotation
Ruins archeological
Local Numbers: HSFA 2014.9.3
Edited film record shot in New Mexico, depicting the architectural features and residents of Acoma Pueblo. Footage focuses on adobe structures and includes both close and long shots of local men and women in front of these buildings, both at leisure and performing chores. Architectural footage focuses particularly on the San Estevan Del Rey Mission Church. Two intertitles address brief history of pueblo and church.
Supplementary materials: annotation
Architecture New Mexico ; Church architecture
Local Numbers: HSFA 2014.9.4
Full film record shot in Chinle and Canyon de Chelly, New Mexico, depicting geologic formations and remains of Anasazi structures in the canyon. Footage follows men and women in European dress on horses traveling through bottom of canyon, including shots of cliff paintings, archaeological ruins, and rock formations. Canyon landscape and surrounding cliffs are viewed from many different angles, and the visitors travel through several apparent elevation changes. Subjects fish, stay at ranches, explore ruins, and perform rope and horse-handling tricks for the camera. Also documented is a trading post and nearby town. Footage captures men and women going about daily business in a town square and surrounding neighborhoods, including several shots focusing on individual children playing or working with horses. Adults prepare food, talk, wait in line, race horses. Footage briefly returns to the Chinle and Canyon de Chelly with a new group of visitors.
Supplementary materials: annotation
Ruins archeological ; Canyons Arizona ; Tourism ; Trading posts
Local Numbers: HSFA 2014.9.5