Delaware Indian Family

Item

Type
Print -- Woodblock Engraving
Title
Delaware Indian Family
Rationale
Illustrates the dress of Lenape Native Americans circa 1650, as perceived a Swedish colonist.
Description
Woodblock engraved print showing two Lenape adults and one Lenape child. Both adults hold what appear to be pipes and the child carries a bow.

In addition to portraying the fashion of these individuals, and perhaps the Lenape people more broadly, this item portrays what was interpreted by the creator as a family, offering a possible glimpse into Lenape domestic life and family dynamics, but from the perspective of European notions of family.

Printed on border: "[From Campanius' "New Sweden."]" Written on border: "(1650)" Image is reported to be taken from "History of Philadelphia, 1609-1884" by J. Thomas Scharf and Thompson Westcott, 1884. The Campanius mentioned may refer to John Campanius Holm, a Swedish Lutheran minister and missionary who lived in the New Sweden settlement from 1643 to 1648. During this time he learned the Lenape language and translated Christian gospel into Lenape. He recorded many Lenape traditions in his journals.
Date
1650-1884
1600s, 1700s, 1800s
Subject
Indians of North America -- 1600-1699
Delaware Indians -- 1650-1659
Campanius, John -- 1601-1883
Indians of North America -- Clothing & dress
Creator
Possibly John Campanius Holm
Extent
Original: 12 x 9 cm. (4.75 x 3.5 in.)
Digital Image: 547 × 760 pixels
Medium
Print
Publisher
New York Public Library
Rights
The organization that has made the Item available believes that the Item is in the Public Domain under the laws of the United States, but a determination was not made as to its copyright status under the copyright laws of other countries. Please refer to the organization that has made the Item available for more information.