Shan Kive
One of my personal favorite things about working in the collections is uncovering. I use the word uncovering to avoid another word that wants to fall right out of the mouth due to its fun, romantic associations; "discovery." Technically, uncovering is a synonym for discovery, but I personally feel the term "discovery" has in many ways been tainted. In particular in association with a Mr. Christopher Columbus. This association is only heightened in the context of the photograph shown below.
We recently uncovered this photo in our flat file space, and we were immediately taken in. It is incredible to be able to look at a photograph such as this one that so clearly shows our area, Colorado Springs, in the context of 1912. The physical setting is mainly given by Colorado Springs most famous landmark shown in the background, Garden of the Gods, our unique geological relic that is according to the visitor center "the most visited attraction in the region." The uncovering immediately sparked our interest.
Who are these people? When was this taken? Where are they dressed as they are? Is it a formal occasion of some kind? Who are the white guys? Where did the photo come from?
Some of these questions were answered very quickly. We found that the photo was loaned to the Fine Arts Center on September 16, 1983, by the University of Northern Colorado as a part of a long-term loan of American Southwest and Great Plains ethnographic objects. The loan consisted of approximately 300+ objects, all pre-historic through to the 1800s. The objects were contracted through September 16, 2003, with an “automatic” twenty-year extension as of September 16, 2003. The majority of the collection, however, was picked up in 2011. Due to several factors at the time of the pick up the museum could not locate the photograph and it was left with us in the collection.
We then, of course, quickly let UNC know that we had found one of the missing items. Our curiosity remained despite that and we continued with our impromptu investigation.
We first went to the label. The label describes the scene as the "Ute Indian Camp, Garden of the Gods ~Shan Kive~ 1913". This confirmed the location, gave us a date, and gave us a cultural affiliation. The natural next step was to dig into the "Shan Kive."
The Shan Kive was a cultural event that was put on from 1911 to 1913 to dedicate the "Ute Trail." The Ute people would travel over from Utah where they were displaced after the Ute War for the celebration. The celebration itself would take place over several days.
The celebration was led by the then chief known today by his "white man's name" Buckskin Charley (or his original name, Sapiah). Buckskin Charley was known for going to Washington with his son Antonio Buck on several occasions to represent the Ute people and was one of the five tribal leaders to ride with Theodore Roosevelt during the inaugural parade. We can be sure of his presence in the photograph because his name is written on the back of the picture itself.
Questions still remain about the photograph. Why was it taken? And just who are those white guys? There is some indication that the Shan Kive celebration was also put on to attract tourists. One source says up to 7,000 people came to see the Shan Kive in 1912. This could mean that the photograph was taken as one of those tourist activities.
During our time at the FAC, we have truly been blessed to be able to relive small pieces of history. Our summer internship will end after our trip to New Mexico which we leave for on Monday! And if you think we won't be posting constant updates throughout our trip, you haven't been paying attention.
Hoped you enjoyed this little piece of history.
Written by Suzy Lewis
 |
| Ute Indian Camp, Garden of the Gods, Shan Kive. By Stewart Photography. Taken 1913 |
We recently uncovered this photo in our flat file space, and we were immediately taken in. It is incredible to be able to look at a photograph such as this one that so clearly shows our area, Colorado Springs, in the context of 1912. The physical setting is mainly given by Colorado Springs most famous landmark shown in the background, Garden of the Gods, our unique geological relic that is according to the visitor center "the most visited attraction in the region." The uncovering immediately sparked our interest.
 |
| Garden of the Gods, photo by John Fowler, Flickr |
Who are these people? When was this taken? Where are they dressed as they are? Is it a formal occasion of some kind? Who are the white guys? Where did the photo come from?
Some of these questions were answered very quickly. We found that the photo was loaned to the Fine Arts Center on September 16, 1983, by the University of Northern Colorado as a part of a long-term loan of American Southwest and Great Plains ethnographic objects. The loan consisted of approximately 300+ objects, all pre-historic through to the 1800s. The objects were contracted through September 16, 2003, with an “automatic” twenty-year extension as of September 16, 2003. The majority of the collection, however, was picked up in 2011. Due to several factors at the time of the pick up the museum could not locate the photograph and it was left with us in the collection.
We then, of course, quickly let UNC know that we had found one of the missing items. Our curiosity remained despite that and we continued with our impromptu investigation.
 |
| Photo Detail of Shan Kive label |
We first went to the label. The label describes the scene as the "Ute Indian Camp, Garden of the Gods ~Shan Kive~ 1913". This confirmed the location, gave us a date, and gave us a cultural affiliation. The natural next step was to dig into the "Shan Kive."
The Shan Kive was a cultural event that was put on from 1911 to 1913 to dedicate the "Ute Trail." The Ute people would travel over from Utah where they were displaced after the Ute War for the celebration. The celebration itself would take place over several days.
 |
| Shan Kive, Stewart Photography, Courtesy of the Pioneers Museum |
The celebration was led by the then chief known today by his "white man's name" Buckskin Charley (or his original name, Sapiah). Buckskin Charley was known for going to Washington with his son Antonio Buck on several occasions to represent the Ute people and was one of the five tribal leaders to ride with Theodore Roosevelt during the inaugural parade. We can be sure of his presence in the photograph because his name is written on the back of the picture itself.
 |
| Detail of Buckskin Charley, center |
Questions still remain about the photograph. Why was it taken? And just who are those white guys? There is some indication that the Shan Kive celebration was also put on to attract tourists. One source says up to 7,000 people came to see the Shan Kive in 1912. This could mean that the photograph was taken as one of those tourist activities.
During our time at the FAC, we have truly been blessed to be able to relive small pieces of history. Our summer internship will end after our trip to New Mexico which we leave for on Monday! And if you think we won't be posting constant updates throughout our trip, you haven't been paying attention.
Hoped you enjoyed this little piece of history.
Written by Suzy Lewis
Comments
Post a Comment