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Tonenili-Navaho, c1905. Creator: Edward Sheriff Curtis
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Tonenili-Navaho, c1905. Creator: Edward Sheriff Curtis
Tonenili-Navaho, c1905. Navajo man bedecked in hemlock boughs and mask of a clown associated with the mischievous rain god Tonenili, "Water Sprinkler"
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Media ID 35138859
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Anthropology Belief Curtis Edward Sheriff Curtis Edwards Dine Edward Sheriff Curtis Edwards Curtis Ethnography Ethnology First Nation First Nations Leaf Leaves Mask Masked Naabeeho Navaho Navajo North America North American Spiritual Tribal Tribal Culture Tribe Rain God
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, titled "Tonenili-Navaho," captured by Edward Sheriff Curtis around 1905, showcases a Navajo man adorned in traditional attire and a mask associated with the mischievous rain god, Tonenili, also known as Naabeehó or Water Sprinkler. The Navajo people, also referred to as the Dine or Diné, are an indigenous tribe originating from the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. The man in the photograph is depicted standing full length, surrounded by hemlock boughs, which were believed to bring rain during the dry seasons. The mask on his face, made from natural materials such as leaves and other plant matter, represents Tonenili, a deity believed to control the rain. The mask's intricate design and the man's expression convey a sense of playfulness and mischief, reflecting the rain god's role in both bringing life-giving rain and causing occasional flooding. Edward Sheriff Curtis, a renowned American anthropologist and photographer, documented various aspects of Native American life and culture during the early 20th century. This photograph is a testament to his extensive ethnographic work, providing a glimpse into the rich heritage and spiritual beliefs of the Navajo people. The image, with its striking contrast and composition, continues to captivate audiences and inspire appreciation for the diverse and intriguing cultures of North America's First Nations.
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