Some of the 345 silver gelatin photoprints, mounted on gray paper pages in this album, apparently were taken in Houston, as the title page indicates. However, many others were taken in New Orleans, and possibly other areas in the Gulf States. The New Orleans pictures depict City Park, St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, above ground cemeteries, the French Quarter, the French Market, the Hotel Royal (the old St. Louis Hotel), etc. Other subjects include informal portraits of men, two of which are identified and dated 1911; people fishing; horse drawn carriages, streetcars and automobiles in urban areas; women typing in an office; army barracks and tents, soldiers, and sailors; people in front of a Barnum & Bailey circus poster, a clown, and other circus scenes; houses; etc. Most of the pictures, of varying sizes, seem to be amateur work, but others are more advanced or possibly professional in style and quality.
Arrangement:
Album of photographs. Unarranged: original order of pages uncertain.
Historical:
Nothing is known about this unbound album of photographs. The content of the photographs themselves and the title page provide the only documentation. The album was found incomplete and unbound, and the original cover has been discarded because it was in poor condition and was contaminating the album pages and photographs. The "Queen" style album was manufactured by Tatum (?), patented July 13, 1909(?).
Provenance:
The album, found in the Museum vault, presumably was part of the Warshaw Collection of Business Americana, or might have been acquired later in the late 1960s to early 1980s, by Dr. John Hoffman when he was curator of the collection.
Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning copyright restrictions. Other intellectual property rights may apply. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions.
The collection documents George Eaton Simpson's fieldwork in Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad, and Nigeria from 1936-1964. There are 704 images in several formats including negatives, prints, and slides. The photographs were primarily made by Simpson, but a few were made by Frederic Ramsey, Jr. Ramsey's prints are stamped on verso with his name. Many prints and slides are annotated by Simpson.
The collection also includes a few reprints of articles based on Simpson's field work and words and musical transcription from Savalou Ricourt, a musician of Port au Prince in 1937.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into six series:
1. Haiti, 1936-1937
2. Jamaica, 1953, 1957
3. Trinidad, 1960
4. Nigeria, 1964
5. Lantern slides, undated
6. Publications, 1940-1987
Biographical/Historical note:
George Eaton Simpson (1904-1998) was an anthropologist whose focus was the various social aspects of Caribbean religions. He wrote over 60 articles and books, and taught sociology and anthropology at Oberlin College from 1947-1971.
Born in Knoxville, Iowa, Simpson received his B.S. from Coe College in 1926, his M.A. from the University of Missouri in 1927, and his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1934. In 1947 he began teaching at Oberlin College in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. In addition to teaching classes, Simpson served on numerous committees and as department chair.
Simpson conducted fieldwork in the Caribbean, specifically Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad, and Nigeria. He focused primarily on Caribbean religions such as Vodun in Haiti, Rastafarianism in Jamaica, and the Spiritual Baptists in Trinidad. His fieldwork has been documented in numerous articles and books, including "The Vodun Service in Northern Haiti", "The Shango Cult in Nigeria and Trinidad", and Black Religions in the New World. He occasionally collaborated on articles with fellow anthropologists Joseph G. Moore and J. Milton Yinger. He also served as a visiting professor at several leading universities.
He was the recipient of numerous honors and awards including the Wellcome Medal for Anthropological Research, the Anisfield-Wolf Award in Race Relations (with J. Milton Yinger), Doctor of Humane Letters – Oberlin College, and Doctor of Humane Letters – Coe College.
Local Call Number(s):
NAA Photo Lot 93-14
Related Materials:
Additional photographs from Simpson are held in National Anthropological Archives Photo Lot 2001-24.
The George Eaton Simpson Film Study of Plaisance, Haiti, 1937, accession No. 92.12.1 in the Smithsonian Institution Human Film Studies Archives contains silent black and white film footage of Plaisance, Haiti shot by Simpson and his colleagues. The footage contains events also depicted in the photograph collection including work coumbites, marketplace scenes, a wedding ceremony, a funeral, drumming and dancing at a social gathering, and a dancing demonstration. Included in this accession are 21 audiotapes recorded by Simpson and Joseph G. Moore during their fieldwork in Jamaica and Trinidad.
The Joseph G. Moore Collection: Jamaican Revival and Kumina, 1957-1958, accession No. 92.1.1 in the Smithsonian Institution Human Film Studies Archives contains related material to Simpson's study of Jamaican Revival Zion and Kumina. The collection contains film footage of Morant Bay and West Kingston, Jamaica shot in 1957. The footage was originally intended for the "Odyssey" program or possibly a short feature. Some of the it ended up being featured on the CBS program "Lamp Unto My Feet" which also includes interviews with Joseph G. Moore and George Eaton Simpson. There is over 10 hours of footage, and in 1992 Simpson, Smithsonian Institution Human Film Studies Archives Director John Homiak, and research associate Ken Bilby recorded approximately 10 hours of commentary about the footage. This collection also contains audio recordings made in 1993 of a discussion between Simpson, Homiak, and Bilby concerning the relation of Jamaican Revival with Rastafari.
Sound recordings by Simpson held in the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections in the Folkways Records Collection and the Moses and Frances Asch Collection.
Oberlin College has a manuscript collection of George Eaton Simpson's papers (RG 30/64) that document Simpson's research and academic work.
Provenance:
The collection was donated to the National Anthropoligical Archives by George E. Simpson in 1992.
Restrictions:
The collection is open for research.
Access to the collection requires an appointment.
The negatives are in cold storage and require advanced notice to access.
1 Item (photographic print, b&w, 22.7 cm. x 16.5 cm.)
Type:
Archival materials
Gelatin silver prints
Photographic prints
Place:
Asia
Iran
Date:
1880s-1930
Scope and Contents:
Joseph Upton purchased 66 black-and-white gelatin silver photoprints in 1928 from Antoin Sevruguin in Tehran (Iran), and subsequently donated them to the Committee for Islamic Culture, as reported in their official minutes of October 24, 1953.
- On recto of the print, scratched handwritten number (inked, probably by Antoin Sevruguin) reads, "158."
- On recto of the print, scratched handwritten number (penciled) reads, "4??."
- On verso of the print, handwritten caption (penciled, probably by Antoin Sevruguin) in French reads, "Pahlévi."
Arrangement:
Gelatin silver prints arranged in sequential number following Joseph Upton's handwritten list of captions, and ultimately organized by Myron B. Smith into subject categories (royalty, people, executions, criminals, punishment, architecture). This print is in the following subject category: People.
Biographical / Historical:
Antoin Sevruguin is one of the early pioneers of commercial photography in Iran. He arrived in Iran from Tbilisi, Georgia in the mid 1870s to set up shop in Ala al-Dawla street in Tehran. From the early days, Sevruguin's studio was trusted both by the Qajar court and by foreign visitors to Iran. Highly regarded for their artistic ingenuity outside Iran, Sevruguin's photographs of 'ethnic types,' architecture and landscape, and depictions of daily life of Tehran found their way into foreign travelogues, magazines and books. As such, he stands alone in a relatively large group of early Iranian photographers for being recognized and celebrated outside the boundaries of the country. Antoin Sevruguin passed away in 1933, although his family studio continued for some time as a commercial enterprise.
Local Numbers:
58.G.8
[16(B4)]
FSA A.4 2.12.Up.08
General:
Title and summary note are provided by Shabnam Rahimi-Golkhandan, FSg curatorial research specialist.
Collection Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
Collection Rights:
Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository.
The Myron Bement Smith Collection, FSA A.04. National Museum of Asian Art Archives. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. Gift of Katherine Dennis Smith.
Congo, Republic of the, -- Likouala Region -- Ubangi river
Date:
[ca. 1910]
Scope and Contents:
Printed caption on recto reads: "78. Congo Français. St. Louis-de-l'Oubanghi; Relève des Nasses."
Translated caption reads: "78. French Congo. St. Louis-on-the-Oubanghi; Checking the fish traps."
Publisher's logo on recto: "Impr. Réunies de Nancy." Additional printed text on recto reads: "Col. Leray - Cliché Herriau."
Local Numbers:
EEPA CF-10-01
Provenance:
I.U.: Indiana University collection; Donation.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
Translated postcard caption reads, "Independant State of the Congo. Mongelima fisherwomen."
Printed text on verso reads: "Reproduction interdite - Rœssinger, F. E. Editeur."
Local Numbers:
EEPA CG 1985-140854
General:
Title source: Postcard caption.
Citation source: Archives staff.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
Democratic Republic of the Congo -- Équator Province -- Lisala
Date:
ca. 1915
Scope and Contents:
Translated postcard caption reads, "Return from fishing near Lisala."
Printed text on verso reads: "Journées Coloniales de Belgique, 189, rue du Cornet, Bruxelles / Koloniale Dagen van Begië, 189, Hoornstraat, Brussel D./7." Additional printed text on verso reads: "(Ph. Devroey.)." Publisher's logo on verso: "Nels."
Recto image depicts three women, one carrying a fish trap.
Local Numbers:
EEPA CG-01-08
General:
Title source: Postcard caption.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
Democratic Republic of the Congo -- Kinshasa Province -- Kinshasa
Date:
ca. 1910
Scope and Contents:
Translated postcard caption reads, "Léopoldville. The dams."
Printed text on verso reads: "Imp. L. Daneels à Bruxelles."
Local Numbers:
EEPA CG-10-13
General:
Title source: Postcard caption.
Citation source: Archives staff.
Numbering Peculiarities Note:
Verso labeled with additional accession number, crossed out: A1993-19-17.
Provenance:
Possible acquisition source: Mrs. Jo Bernick donation; FY 1993 EEPA 1993-019
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
Translated postcard caption reads, "Belgian Congo. Return from fishing at Tanganyka."
Additional printed text on recto reads: "Edit. - Imprimerie Delvaux, Huy."
Local Numbers:
EEPA CG-10-01
General:
Title source: Postcard caption.
Citation source: Archives staff.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
Translated postcard caption reads, "Congo. Fishermen in Upper Congo."
Printed text on verso reads: "Ed. Nels, Bruxelles, Serie 14, no. 58." Publisher's logo on recto and verso: "Nels." Manuscript address and partial postmark on verso. Postage stamp removed.
Local Numbers:
EEPA CG-10-02
General:
Title source: Postcard caption.
Citation source: Archives staff.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Search this
Extent:
1 Postcard (collotype, b&w, 9 x 14 cm.)
Container:
Volume 1
Type:
Archival materials
Postcards
Postcards
Place:
Africa
Congo (Democratic Republic)
Democratic Republic of the Congo -- Équateur Province -- Makanza -- (Nouvelle-Anvers)
Date:
ca. 1919
Scope and Contents:
Translated postcard caption reads, "New-Antwerp - The mission: Hoopnet fishing."
Printed text on verso reads: "Eigendom van Scheut (Kongo) / Propiété de Scheut. " Manuscript message and address on verso. Postmarked postage stamp on verso, date reads: "22-IX-1919." [Sept. 22, 1919]
Local Numbers:
EEPA CG-10-03
General:
Title source: Postcard caption.
Citation source: Archives staff.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
Printed text on recto reads: "Phot. R. Visser. Deposé. / Congo." Image number on upper left recto corner: "5."
Local Numbers:
EEPA CG-10-04
General:
Title source: Postcard caption.
Citation source: Archives staff.
Provenance:
I.U.: Indiana University collection; Donation.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
Democratic Republic of the Congo -- Orientale Province -- Stanley Falls
Date:
ca. 1910
Scope and Contents:
Translated postcard caption reads, "Belgian Congo. Eastern Province. Falls of Stanleyfalls and native fishing grounds."
Printed text on verso reads: "Ed. Nels, Bruxelles, Serie 14, no. 128." Publisher's logo on recto and verso: "Nels." Manuscript address on verso. Postmarked postage stamp on recto. Postmark on verso.
Local Numbers:
EEPA CG-10-05
General:
Title source: Postcard caption.
Citation source: Archives staff.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
Democratic Republic of the Congo -- Orientale Province -- Aruwimi
Date:
ca. 1910
Scope and Contents:
Translated postcard caption reads, "Native fishing grounds in the rapids where Ituri takes the name of Aruwini."
Printed text on verso reads: "Collection M. Delhaye / Deposé - Reproduction interdite." Publisher's logo on verso: "Nels."
Local Numbers:
EEPA CG-10-06
General:
Title source: Postcard caption.
Citation source: Archives staff.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
Manscript message and address on verso, message reads: "Ma bien chère Suzanne. Cette fois j'ai ton adresse par l'intermédiaire de ton Nounou. J'espère que tu te portes bien ainsi que tes chers parents. Je t'envoies les pêcheries pour que tu te donnes une idée de la façon dont les nègres organisent leur pêche. Je profite de la présente pour vous souhaiter à tous trois une très bonne année et surtout une excellente santé et que ma suzon soit toujours première à l'école. Tes petits cadres font un bon accord sur mon buffet, ils me font bien penser à vous autres. Ma santé est bonne malgré les 7 kilos que j'ai maigri. Recois chère Suzanne mes bons baisers et j'espère te lire bientôt. Madame Bras à Kongolo via Capetown." Translated message reads, "My very dear Suzanne. This time I obtained your address from your Nounou. I hope you and your dear parents are well. I send you the fisheries so you get an idea of how the negroes organize their fishing. I take the opportunity to wish you all a very happy new year and above all an excellent health and that my suzon always remains at the top of her class. Your small frames are very decorative on my sideboard and make me think of you all. My health is good despite the 7 kilos which I lost. Good kisses dear Suzanne and I hope to read a message from you soon."
Printed text on verso reads: "Edit. par les Frères Maristes, Stanleyville (Congo Belge)." Publisher's logo on recto and verso: "Nels." Partial postmark on verso, postage stamp removed.
Local Numbers:
EEPA CG-10-07
General:
Title source: Postcard caption.
Citation source: Archives staff.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
Democratic Republic of the Congo -- Orientale Province -- Kisangani
Date:
ca. 1910
Scope and Contents:
Translated postcard caption reads, "Stanleyville. Fishing grounds of the Wagenias."
Printed text on verso reads: "Edition Maingain." Publisher's logo on verso: "LEGIA."
Local Numbers:
EEPA CG-10-08
General:
Title source: Postcard caption.
Citation source: Archives staff.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
Additional printed text on verso reads: "Photo A. MELO / Magasins Réunis / Stanleyville."
Local Numbers:
EEPA CG-10-09
General:
Title source: Postcard caption.
Citation source: Archives staff.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
Printed text on verso reads: "Peter frères, Produits colniaux, Anvers-Kinshasa."
Local Numbers:
EEPA CG-10-10
General:
Title source: Postcard caption.
Citation source: Archives staff.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.
Photographic paper manufacturer's logo on verso, reads: "Gevaert."
Local Numbers:
EEPA CG-10-11
General:
Title source: Postcard caption.
Citation source: Archives staff.
Collection Restrictions:
Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.
Collection Rights:
Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.