Anon. (French School) c.1850s

A CATHOLIC CONVERT OF NATIVE AMERICAN ETHNICITY. c.1850-55, quarter plate daguerreotype, in a bevelled gilt mount, with later taped edges, contemporary paper backing and hanging hook, possibly taken by a french photographer in the Nova Scotia or Great Lakes region. The female sitter, dressed in Western clothing and holding a Rosary and Crucifix, with native made Northeastern Woodlands Area, Native American split wood basket resting on the table. Perhaps originally taken as an illustration of the power and success of missionary activities in the mass conversion of the indigenous population in the area to Catholicism