Canada's "Last Best West"
A Colorful Era - Over 100 Years Ago
The Hugo Viewegar Autochrome Collection
The only TRUE color photo known to exist of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Native Indian troupe. Taken in Edmonton Alberta Canada, July 23rd 1914 by renowned photographer Hugo Viewegar, using the Lumiere Brothers' Autochrome process. True color as taken in 1914 - not "colorized" later from a B&W plate image.
Edition is limited to 100 worldwide
Buffalo Bill and Native Americans
The period from 1880 to 1910 was of great historical significance for the American West. The vast frontier had been "officially" conquered. Native Americans had been forced onto reservation lands, and a colorful band of performers known as Buffalo Bill's Wild West had formed perhaps the most popular traveling show on earth.
In the opening ceremonies, Cody always insisted that the Sioux should be the first group to enter the stadium behind him. This was considered a great honor, for the premier spot among this "Congress of the Rough Riders of the World" was something that audiences surely would not miss. Though there were some considerable changes in Cody's Wild West shows over the years, one factor remained constant: the inclusion and respect for Native Americans.
What do Native accounts say about Cody? Their verdict is quite unanimous in favor of Cody's decency and fairness. They called him "Pahaska," or "Long Hair," and they considered him a friend. Black Elk spoke of Cody's "strong heart," and reportedly was touched by his spirit of generosity. Sitting Bull treasured a hat that Cody had given him. "My friend Long Hair gave me this hat," the great Sioux chief boasted. " I value it highly, for the hand that placed it upon my head had a friendly feeling for me."
Colonel Wm. F. Cody was a positive force for Native Americans. Being human, he was by no means a model of perfection, however, Cody did much to improve the status of white-Native American relations. He left behind an important guidepost for the future: a personal legacy of respect and friendship.
On July 22nd & 23rd, 1914, Cody’s show performed in Edmonton Alberta. His last tour. He was 68 years of age at the time and passed away before his 70th birthday. Hugo Viewegar, official photographer at Government House, had seen the show in Europe, recognized the historical significance of the event, and saw an opportunity to make even more history. Hugo was the only photographer in Canada at that time who was capable of true colour photography, using the Lumiere Bros. Patented Autochrome process that he had brought with him from Europe in 1912 when he emigrated to Canada before WW1 set in. The process was intricate, requiring time exposures. Wm. Cody, being as supportive as he always was, helped Hugo make it happen.
Hugo’s personal collection has been passed down through our family and our reproductions are exactly true in fidelity to the originals - no manipulation or re-touching. Autochromes were a positive glass plate, organic in nature, and could not be printed or reproduced in any manner at the time but we now have the technology to reproduce them. The only TRUE colour photo in existence of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Native Indian troupe. Edition strictly copyright and limited, numbered, signed by Viewegar’s grandson, accompanied by certificate of authenticity. Enormous historical value.
Authenticity testimonials, biographies, history etc. can be viewed in-depth here on our website
