Sioux Ghost Dance, circa 1894.

From Edison films catalog: One of the most peculiar customs of the Sioux Tribe is here shown, the dancers being genuine Sioux Indians, in full war paint and war costumes. A very interesting subject, full of action and true to life.

According to Edison film historian C. Musser, this film and others shot on the same day (see also Buffalo dance) featured Native American Indian dancers from Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, and represent the American Indian's first appearance before a motion picture camera.

Filmed on September 24, 1894 in Edison's Black Maria studio.

(Video courtesy of Edison Manufacturing Co./Library of Congress/Tehrkot Media)

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