Funded by J.P Morgan in 1906, Curtis conducted the series of The North American Indian and strove to document as much Native American traditional life as possible before it disappeared. In this photogravure, Curtis focused on a tribal member wearing traditional garments, an emblematic representation of religious customs and culture. Holding a spear and riding a horse, he posed for the camera with the awareness of the photographer's presence so that he consciously represented himself with the tribal status attached from his unique culture. Not only does this photograph touch on the themes of tribal mythology and lore with the symbolic traditional tribal garments, but it also highlights the natural environment. There is a contrast between blue and yellow colors constructed by Curtis so that the patterns on the clothes stand out from the whole image and it situated the rich traditions and customs in a context without Westernization. However, with the assimilation of European values into the indigenous nations, North American peoples were confronting a decreasing population and fading native culture in reality. Thousands of Native Americans became victims of the journey West, yet very few generations had memories of such history due to limited documentation. Representing these peoples through distinct individuals engaged with traditional dress, recreation, and conventions, Curtis focused attention on their cultures and heritage. His series put the spotlight on communities many other photographers failed to represent, and the “Indian Problem” transformed from a barrier of Western expansion to a need to revive indigenous history.