When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Rare Original Vintage Portrait of Earl \"Snakehips\" Tucker – Circa 1925
Up for sale or purchase is an exceptional piece of dance and jazz history: an original vintage gelatin silver photograph of the legendary Harlem Renaissance performer, Earl \"Snakehips\" Tucker, dating to circa 1925.
Tucker, famously known as the \"Human Boa Constrictor,\" revolutionized jazz dance with his fluid, undulating movement style. He was a premier attraction at iconic venues like Harlem’s Cotton Club and Connie’s Inn. His pioneering choreography directly laid the groundwork for future generations of performers, from Elvis Presley to Michael Jackson.Photographic Details & Markings
* Inscriptions: This historical portrait features prominent studio photographic imprints linked Manuel of Chicago, making it a highly desirable piece for collectors tracking regional theater photography of the 1920s.
* Paper Stock: Printed on a heavy, period-accurate thick paper stock characteristic of professional studio publicity portraits from the mid-1920s.Condition Report
* Overall Condition: Good vintage condition, displaying a beautiful, deep contrast typical of early 20th-century professional photography.
* Flaws to Note: The photograph shows authentic signs of age, including edge wear and a visible horizontal crease/tear running across the left background area (please review high-resolution photos closely for exact cosmetic details). These character marks do not detract from the central image of Tucker in full performance pose.Provenance & Shipping
* This item comes from a dedicated collection of historical ephemera and rare Black Americana.
* Shipping: Professionally packaged flat in a rigid, heavy-duty mailer with acid-free backing to ensure safe arrival. Shipped securely via USPS with full tracking