Scarce Photograph Of Jewish Indian Trader Julius Meyer

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2023

Scarce stereoview published by photographer Frank F. Currier of Omaha, circa 1870s. The four Pawnee Chiefs are treating with trader/interpreter Julius Meyer. Handwritten on verso: "Pawnee Chiefs & Julius Meyer alias Box-ka-re-sha-hash-ta-ka, Indian interpreter, Omaha, Nbr." Meyer's Indian name translates to "Curly Headed White Chief with One Tongue." A Jewish immigrant from Prussia, Julius Meyer followed his brothers to Omaha in the 1860s and made contact with various Indigenous nations in the region. Meyer said he learned to speak six Native languages and worked as a translator for the US government. Using beads and tobacco from his brothers' stores, he began trading and opened his first "Indian Wigwam" store in Omaha in 1872, selling Native goods to customers who were fascinated with the cultures that the United States was trying to erase.

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