Edward S. Curtis’s The North American Indian is a monumental photographic and ethnographic project that offers an extensive visual record of Native American life in the early 20th century. Spanning 20 volumes and 20 portfolios, Curtis documented over 80 tribes through more than 2,000 photogravures and accompanying texts, aiming to preserve what he perceived as a vanishing culture. His work is celebrated for its artistic quality and historical significance, providing a rare glimpse into Indigenous traditions, ceremonies, and daily life.​
 
However, Curtis’s approach has been critiqued for romanticizing and idealizing Native American cultures, often omitting signs of Western influence and contemporary realities. He sometimes staged scenes or used the same props across different tribes, leading to questions about authenticity. Additionally, the project was funded by J.P. Morgan, and Curtis was granted unprecedented access to sacred ceremonies, raising concerns about cultural exploitation and consent.​
 
Despite these criticisms, The North American Indian remains a significant work, offering both artistic beauty and a complex legacy. It serves as a testament to a rapidly changing world, capturing a moment in time that continues to provoke discussion and reflection.