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Lot 198
[NATIVE AMERICANS]. [GARDNER, Alexander (1821-1882), photographer]. Cabinet card featuring Navajo Chief Mariano. 
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Estimate
$1,500 - 2,500
Lot Description
[NATIVE AMERICANS]. [GARDNER, Alexander (1821-1882), photographer]. Cabinet card featuring Navajo Chief Mariano. 

4 1/16 x 5 7/8 in. albumen photograph on cardstock mount (some blotches of light discoloration to image, light surface soiling throughout, and light wear to mount edges and corners). Mount recto inscribed, "'Mariana' Navajo Chief.'" Verso bears various pencil inscriptions including, in one hand, "Mariana," and in another, a detailed description of the subject: "Mariano by Alexander Gardner. / Navajo leader who fought at war @ Mount Taylor Member of 1874 delegation to Washington D.C. / Signed Treaty of 1855 / Born at San Juan River, New Mexico."

The Navajo chief (whose name is spelled variously, with either an "a" or an "o" at the end depending on the source) is featured sitting on a chair that is covered with a Navajo blanket, and wearing a first phase concha belt and squash blossom necklace. 

Another example of this image was sold in 2020 by MBA Seattle Auction, bearing an ink stamp for photographer William P. Carter, Albuquerque, NM. It is possible that Carter was a later publisher of the image. 

This lot is located in Cincinnati.
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