Photo Archives Expeditions Gallery

During the early 1900's, the Department of Anthropology collected artifacts mainly on the North American continent, while the departments of Zoology, Geology, and Botany concentrated on collecting in Central and South America. Natural science materials were collected, but photographs were made of many village scenes and portraits. Geological expeditions during this period focused on the western states of Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. For a larger selection of Field Museum Photo Archives expedition photos, please see our site on Flickr.

Below are a selection of images from the Photo Archives. For information about purchasing high-resolution copies and permission to publish please submit the Contact Photo Archives form.

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Henry Field

Physical anthropologist Henry Field (shown 2nd from left) spent the period between 1926 and 1934 excavating and collecting material from the Sumerian-Akkadian capital of Kish and other areas in Iraq. Nearly 5,000 still photographs and motion picture film were made on the expeditions. They include ethnological portraits of villagers and extensive site photography. Field also took photographs of prehistoric caves in France and Spain, and gathered data from which sculptor Frederick Blaschke created a series of nine life-sized "Prehistoric Man" dioramas for display at Field Museum.

First Wheeled Chariot

Henry Field (left) and workman looking at an exposed wheeled chariot. Circa 1928, when the chariot was excavated, these were the first wheels found anywhere. Kish, Iraq.

The Kish Collection

Construction of the Panama Canal

The purpose of the Panama Expedition (1911-1912), was to collect specimens of fish from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans prior to the completion of the Panama Canal. Field Museum curator standing at 18 foot diameter giant tunnel culvert, the intake of Pedro Miguel locks. Under construction, the photo shows the collapsible steel frame used to create the round concrete chambers. Circa 1912. The Field Museum, ID# CSZ34013.

For more photos of the Panama Expedition, see our set on Flickr.

Carl Akeley

Carl Akeley in Somalia, Africa circa 1896. Akeley was the Field Museum's first taxidermist.

Members of Armour-Botany Expedition

Field Museum Botany curator Charles Millspaugh at top right. Also includes Edward P. Allen, Edward S. Isham Jr., Jordan L. Mott Jr. Taken on the Allison V. Armour Expedition circa 1899. Made from a hand-colored lantern slide. Credit information: ID# CSB4170c.

For more photos of the Armour Botany expedition, see our set on Flickr

Charles Corwin in Arizona

Charles Abel Corwin, artist painting scenery in the woods for the background mural of the Mule Deer Diorama Group. Rifle [gun] at his side. Captain Marshall Field Pacific Coast and Arizona Expedition Zoology July 1926. ID# CSZ52858

Mule Deer diorama

Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Diorama. Hall 16. Odocoileus hemionus hemionus. Taxidermy by Carl J. Albrecht and background mural by Charles A. Corwin. ID# Z32T