Tribal Photographs 12 original John Watson prints, 2003 signed limited ed. 5/100
Tribal Photographs – 12 original prints by John Watson for Cultural Survival. Signed limited edition; this copy is number 5/100. Published by Cultural Survival, Cambridge Massachusetts 2003. More of a portfolio than a book, the 11 in. x 14 in. black and white photographs, “printed on Ilford Multigrade IV double weight ‘Portfolio’ paper”, are each separated by a translucent white vellum sheet with tribal and location information at the bottom, and are enclosed in a cardboard folder that can be tied shut with decorative cloth ribbon. The box that originally contained this portfolio is missing. John Watson’s signature appears on the numbered and signed title sheet; none of the prints are signed or numbered. (Note: The first photo of a print in this listing shows that print covered with its protective translucent sheet. The next 12 photos of prints depict each on top of its sheet, so that information about each print could be provided along with a clear photo.) From the final sheet in the portfolio: “John Watson is an artist and photographer who documents indigenous cultures. Born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he has long been interested in and involved with tribal peoples. His work has been exhibited in museums, galleries and universities throughout the US and Europe. His books, ETHIOPIA a photographic study of the Omo valley tribal people, and HIMBA, photographs of the Himba people in northern Namibia are both available through Cultural Survival.” The 12 photographs are like new; careful examination revealed a tiny (1/16-inch) corner crease at the bottom left of the 11th print. The cardboard folder is in good condition: gilt on front is bright; front and back are clean and undamaged; creases at top of right flap fold; top 1/2 inch of spine is torn and wrinkled, two 1/2-inch tears at left side of bottom flap.