This gelatin dry plate negative was taken in the Aultman Studio (Trinidad, Colo.) by Oliver E. Aultman (1867-1953) circa 1895. It depicts a group of three American Indian men. All three men stand with their hands folded in front of them. They wear jewelry, fringed robes and garments, and have long hair. The man on the left holds a flute. A studio backdrop painted with foliage is visible behind them. A fur rug lays at their feet. Their tribal affiliations are unidentified. The same individuals appear in Aultman negatives: 2000.300.221-2000.300.227
The Aultman Photography Studio (Trinidad, Colo.) operated out of Trinidad, Colorado from 1899-2000. Oliver E. Aultman (1867-1953) founded the studio and was its chief photographer until his son, Glenn Aultman (1904-2000) took over the business in the early 1950's. Otis A. Aultman (1874-1943), Oliver's younger brother, also operated at photography studio in the Trinidad area from 1892-1907. Several of his images are included in the Aultman Studio collection. While the Aultmans mostly produced studio portraits of Trinidad's residents, they also shot images of landscapes, streets scenes, mining operations, buildings, and local events. This photograph is part the Aultman Studio collection (Ph.00500).