2-982-444 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Assiniboine and Saskatchewan Exploring Expedition - Ojibway Encampment near the Falls of the Rainy River, 1858. The Ojibways of the Lake of the Woods are the most warlike and independent tribe of this once great and powerful nation, which formerly occupied the country between Lake Huron and Red River. They still number some hundreds on the beautiful lake...from which their name is derived. Among them men of tall stature and faultless form are not uncommon. The Engraving represents a part of an encampment at the falls of Rainy River, where they assemble in the spring to catch and dry sturgeon, and in the early summer months to celebrate their medicine dances and other barbarous ceremonies. Their lodges are constructed of birch bark, supported by poles...On the right a squaw is engaged in suspending strips of sturgeon on poles to dry; and in front is a warrior, holding in his hand a stone pipe, and gazing at the white men who are quietly taking his photograph. The lodges...are about forty feet long and eighteen feet broad at the base. Each will contain several families'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.