Dr. Bonnie G. Hall, "She Who Cares," Citizen of the Nanticoke Indian Tribe
Date2022
Artist
Will Wilson
(American photographer, born 1969)
MediumArchival pigment print from wet plate collodion scan
Dimensionsimage: 19 × 15 in. (48.3 × 38.1 cm)
sheet: 22 × 17 in. (55.9 × 43.2 cm)
sheet: 22 × 17 in. (55.9 × 43.2 cm)
Credit LineF. V. du Pont Acquisition Fund, 2022
Object number2022-61
On View
Not on viewClassificationsPHOTOGRAPH
Label TextThe earrings that I wore were bestowed upon me by one of my most beloved elders, Mrs. Ardith "Crabby" Mosley, who passed over on February 12, 2021. The beautiful shawl that I adorned was lovingly made by my dearest friend and sister-in-Christ, Raggatha "Ragghi" Calentine (Cherokee heritage) as a gift for my naming ceremony. The location of the actual picture taking is now the Nanticoke Indian Center which previously served as a one-room schoolhouse for Nanticoke children from the 1920s to the 1960s. I had the privilege of attending the Indian Mission School for grades 1–3 prior to desegregation. That one-room schoolhouse brings back to my remembrance many wonderful memories. I loved having the picture taken in that space....that was a very special experience for me. My elders ensured that I was taught both academics and cultural values while learning to take pride in being born and raised within the Nanticoke Nation. As a descendant of one of the original 31 families (Wright) to form the incorporated body of the Nanticoke Indian Association, Inc., in 1818, I take great pride in my heritage and tribal history. I was truly blessed to participate in this remarkable Tintype Portrait exhibition by photo artist, Will Wilson and the Delaware Art Museum of Wilmington, DE. Wanishi! (Thank you!)
—Dr. Bonnie G. Hall
