GLASS PLATE OF THE APACHE SCOUT 'PEACHES' [TSO-AY (Chiricahua Raider and U.S. Apache Scout)]

Rare Positive Glass Plate Portrait Photograph by Ben WITTICK (1845-1903, Pioneer Photographer of the South-West United States), showing him in the dress of an Apache Scout, holding a rifle cross-ways and advancing through the bush towards the camera with a determined look, 4" x 3½", no place, no date but

The Apaches were the most warlike of the tribes of the South-West and the Chiricahua led by Geronimo (1829-1909) among the last to submit. Following their forced removal to the San Carlos reservation in Arizona, where conditions were very poor, Geronimo and his band carried out a series of murderous attacks on settlers, in 1877-1879, 1880 and 1882-1885.
Tso-ay joined in one such raid under Chato (1854-1934), but decided he had had enough and would return to San Carlos. He was captured by Lieutenant Britton and then recruited by General George Crook (1829-1890), who preferred to have such men as allies. Since about 1870 Crook had formed two companies of Apache Scouts who were instrumental in seeking out hidden strongholds, finally leading to the treaty of 1886. They were given nicknames - Tso-ay's was 'Peaches' from his fair complexion, well seen in this portrait.
Ben Wittick left his wife and children behind in Illinois to follow the expanding railway. After a while he settled at Fort Wingate in New Mexico, near the Arizona border and between the Navajos to the North and Apaches to the South. He struck up an affinity with the native Americans that has been of great historical importance. For portraits he had a cartload of 'props' for creating settings in the round, mostly outdoors, placing his subjects among them to great effect. The present striking image has a wider aspect ratio than other existing prints, with more scrub bushes on the left and a large round rock on the right.

Item Date:  1885

Stock No:  56541      £475

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