Indian Headband
This print by Homer Nelson, titled “Wabano” appeared on a 1925 calendar as part of publisher Brown & Bigelow’s “Indian Heroine Series.” The source photo by Beatrice Tonnesen was found at the Winneconne (WI) Historical Society. Detail of the illustrated headband is faithful to the original photograph. The model is believed to have been Mary Simmonds O’Grady (1896-1976).
The basic design of this headband is very similar to that of the one that appears in Tonnesen's photo. In comparing the two, keep in mind that the headband would not always be placed on the head in the same position and that illustrators may have only approximated the original design in their final rendition. As with most of the photos and prints that I have examined, it appears the feather was added after the photo was taken. While it's impossible to say for sure, I think it's likely this print may have originated as a photo by Tonnesen.