A Native American Woman Operates A Switchboard In 1925

Native American Switchboard

Native American Switchboard

Following decades of forced removal and ethnic cleansing on behalf of the US government, by the time the 20th century rolled around most indigenous North Americans were living west of the Mississippi River, and in much smaller numbers. As a further means of social control, though, in 1898 the federal government made it its goal to assimilate indigenous peoples into Euro-American society, which essentially meant that tribal governments, religions and customs were outlawed. The photo seen here was likely staged, meant to represent the convergence of two worlds: the exotic Indian meets modern “civilization”. As for the odd marks on the woman’s hand, it’s likely smallpox scars.

The post A Native American Woman Operates A Switchboard In 1925 appeared first on All That Is Interesting.

Leave a Reply