Hopi hairstylist - pre-styling. 1890-1910. Photograph by Charles A. Nast.

"In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Hopi people of Arizona maintained a rich cultural heritage, and their hairstyles played a significant role in their traditional practices. This 1890-1910 photograph, taken by Charles A. Nast, captures a Hopi hairdresser in a moment of quiet contemplation before attending to her client's hair. Her serene expression and focused demeanor convey the importance of this ritual, which often involved intricate styling and adornment with feathers, beads, or other ornaments. The image provides a rare glimpse into the lives of the Hopi people during this period, showcasing their strong cultural identity and the significance of hairdressing as an art form and spiritual practice."