A sepia-toned photograph of a Native American man named Bogus Charley, identified as a Modoc Indian prisoner, with text below the image certifying the photograph was taken by L. Heller in 1873.
personphotographtextvintage photographcarte de visitemodoc indianbogus charleynative americanprisoner19th centurysepia tonehistorical photograph

This is a vintage photograph of a Native American man, identified as "Bogus Charley" in the text below the image. The photograph is sepia-toned and appears to be a carte de visite, a small portrait photograph popular in the 19th century. The man is facing forward, with a serious expression. He has dark hair, high cheekbones, and a relatively smooth complexion. He is wearing a dark jacket over a lighter-colored shirt with a high collar. A beaded necklace or choker is visible around his neck. The photograph is mounted on a card with decorative borders. Below the image, there is printed text that reads: "BOGUS – CHARLEY." "I certify that L. Heller has this day taken the Photographs of the above Modoc Indian, prisoner under my charge." "Capt. C. B. THROCKMORTON, 4th U.S. Artillery, Officer of the Day." "GEN. JEFF. C. DAVIS, U.S.A." "I am cognizant of the above fact." The card also has some copyright information along the left and right edges, indicating it was taken in 1873 by L. Heller in Washington, D.C. The overall impression is a formal portrait of a Modoc Indian prisoner, likely taken during the Modoc War (1872-1873).


License: CC0