Jennie Michel, Clatsop Basket Maker - c. 1900
Jennie Michel, also known as Lady Michel or Princess Tsin-is-tum, was born in about 1815. Her father and uncle knew Lewis and Clark. After her first husband died in 1860, she married Seaside settler Michel Merchino. She was known for both her artistry and the number of baskets she wove.
A colorized version of this particular image was published as a postcard by D. M. Averill of Portland. It identified her as the "Last of the Clatsops". While others of Clatsop descent survived, she may have been the last who had experienced the full Clatsop culture.
I've attributed this photo to Olaf Indahl, and I reproduced this view from one of Indahl's glass negatives. However, his glass plate appears to be a copy negative, and thus I suspect he was not the original photographer.
-- This photo is restored and printed by Old Oregon.
Photographer | Olaf Indahl |
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Location | Oregon Coast, Seaside, Clatsop County |
Subject | Native Americans |
Decade | 1900s |
Print Maker | Old Oregon |
Original Type | Glass Negative |
Size of Original | 3.4 x 5.2 inches |