1874 Hillers Stereoview “The Water Carriers” Powell Survey Native American Photo For Sale

Original 19th-century stereoview photograph titled “The Water Carriers,” Indians of the Colorado Valley, No. 21, Kai-Vav-Its (Paiute), photographed by John K. Hillers, official photographer of John Wesley Powell’s Colorado River expeditions. Albumen print on original period mount, published by J. F. Jarvis, 479 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C., and entered according to Act of Congress in 1874 by J. W. Powell. The image depicts Paiute women and children carrying olla water vessels and is part of the landmark U.S. Geological Survey documentation of the American West. Mount retains original printed title panel and publisher imprint, with period handwritten inscription along the top margin. Condition shows expected age wear with light surface toning and edge wear consistent with an authentic 1870s albumen stereograph; image remains clear with strong detail. An original example from one of the most important photographic surveys of the 19th century, highly desirable to collectors of Western Americana, Native American photography, and early expedition photography.