Imprisoned Modoc Warriors, Photographed by Louis Herman Heller

The below images, showcasing captured Modoc warriors, were photographed by Louis Herman Heller during and after the Modoc War. This conflict unfolded between 1872 and 1873, pitting the Native American Modoc people against the United States Army, and its origins traced back to the forced relocation of the Native Americans. Leading the Modoc fighting force was Kintpuash, also known as "Captain Jack" (the first individual featured below), alongside 52 other warriors in a group exceeding 150 Modoc individuals. Following almost a year of intense battles, the Modoc warriors faced defeat. Captain Jack and three warriors were executed for the killings of two peace commissioners, while two others received life imprisonment. The remaining 153 members of the Modoc band were held as prisoners of war until 1909.

Born in Germany, Heller was both a pharmacist and photographer, reportedly migrating to the United States around 1855. Despite being the first photographer present, his works remain overshadowed by Eadweard Muybridge's. Notably, Heller's images lack depictions of battles. His photographs, transformed into engravings, were featured in Harper's Weekly in June 1873, offering the public insights into the war. In an effort to rival Muybridge's fame, Heller attempted to publish his Modoc warrior portraits, yet Watkins, the publisher, was erroneously credited, causing Heller to fade into obscurity. Despite this setback, Heller continued his photographic work independently, even selling his Modoc captives negatives to Watkins.

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