Description
In 1991 Toba Pato Tucker visited the Onondaga Nation south of Syracuse to request permission to photograph members of the nation. After receiving permission to photograph significant community members the result is Haudenosaunee: Portraits of the Firekeepers the Onondaga Nation. A studio was set up in the Longhouse using no artificial lighting and only a plain black backdrop. Over the course of two years the photographer created 77 portraits of community members, including Chiefs, Clan Mothers, Faithkeepers, individuals and entire families. Images include Chief Irving Powless; Audrey Shenandoah; and Leon Shenandoah. Additional information includes two brief essays: Ononda'gega': the people of the hills; and Ononda'gega': Onondaga people.