The name of the ethnographer sent to document the disappearing Native tribes of the West?

Question

Late 1800s and early 1900s. The Department of the Interior sent him home noting that he was "sent to study the Indians, not to become one." For the life of me I can't think of his name but I can remember the photographs he took.

Answer 1

You are probably talking about Edward Curtis. He is very famous for his photos. But please know that he was Very racist and so are his recordings and photos. If you ever view his photos please know that they are not culturally accurate. He would actually choose the outfits the Natives were to wear and pose them how he pleased. There is nothing good about his depictions of Native people.

Answer 2

Edward Sheriff Curtis (1868-1952) was an ethnographer and celebrated American photographer - Curtis, Edward Sheriff. The North American Indian: Being a Series of Volumes ...
Department of Interior Monographs of the US Geological Survey

whatever he worked late 1890's into 1910, etc..

Answer 3

Franz Boas was also active at that time although he was sponsored by the Smithsonian Institute to document and active record the rapidly disappearing legend and languages of the Indian Nations of the West. This open mandate brought him all over the western United States and into Canada as well.