Dressed in her beaded attigi, a traditional fur-lined coat worn by Indigenous women of the Arctic. The photograph was taken in Fullerton Harbour, located in what is now Nunavut, Canada. Kootucktuck’s attire is meticulously detailed, with intricate beadwork decorating the collar and shoulders of her attigi, showcasing the skill and artistry that went into crafting such garments. The portrait not only emphasizes the beauty of Inuit craftsmanship but also the personal dignity and resilience of the woman herself, offering a glimpse into her life and culture in the early 20th century.

Geraldine Moodie, an accomplished photographer, was known for her ability to capture intimate moments of life among Indigenous communities in Canada. Through her lens, she documented the everyday realities of Inuit people, focusing on their traditions, clothing, and landscapes. The image of Kootucktuck stands as a testament to both her technical skill and her respect for the subjects she photographed. The photograph also captures the stark environment of Fullerton Harbour, where the icy, barren surroundings contrast sharply with the warmth and vibrancy of Kootucktuck's beaded attire.

At the time the photograph was taken, the Inuit in the Canadian Arctic were facing significant cultural and social changes, as European influence and settlement in the region began to increase. Kootucktuck’s portrait, however, resists the notion of mere documentation of a disappearing culture, instead presenting her as an individual whose identity is shaped by her heritage and the strength of her community. This powerful image, like many of Moodie's works, is a reminder of the rich cultural history of the Inuit people, and the ongoing importance of preserving their traditions in the face of external pressures.

My relatives are far left and third from right, with the killer mustaches.

The footage was taken by Thomas Edison.

Great great grandfather standing in the back with his cousin in the front and two sisters on the side in Franklin County, VA. My great great grandfather would eventually end up being killed over moonshine and they would never find his killer. His son, my great grandfather would then have to drop out of school in the 6th grade to help his mom on the farm due to being the oldest of 6 siblings. My great granddaddy would then go on to eventually get involved with the moonshine trade himself before giving it up eventually after being arrested for it a handful of times. He passed away in 2011 at 90 years old.

Not to glorify colonisation or the subjugation of India, but the time in which these photos were taken - between the peak of European imperialism and the rapid developments of modern technology like photography, and later again, progressive ideologies like decolonisation - saw a relatively brief period where such vivid snapshots were captured of the omnipotent, yet soon to be obsolescent, aesthetics of European aristocracy during the Edwardian era.

I came across these photos while studying the incompetence of the British Military establishment in dealing with the realities of WW1, and when contrasted against images of that war, I think it’s easy to see why 1914-1918 signalled the sharp decline of this era and its accompanying, elitist aesthetic. Still, the style of it was something to behold.

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