J.E. Cook Co., RPPC, Indians Digging Pipestone, Minn., 1922

This Real Photo Postcard (RPPC) by J.E. Cook Co. captures a significant cultural scene of Native Americans engaged in the traditional activity of quarrying pipestone in Pipestone, Minnesota. The image is a poignant documentation of indigenous practices, showing a group of individuals both working and observing the quarrying process. The landscape is stark, with the quarry pit prominently featured, surrounded by a group of people, some holding tools, indicative of the labor-intensive nature of this cultural tradition.

The postcard is postmarked from Northfield, Minnesota, dated December 18, 1922, and features a green one-cent U.S. postage stamp. The back of the card reads: "Am all set to go to the cities. Will be out to see you some time. With best regards, [signature]." The card is in good condition with some minor wear typical of its age, including slight corner rounding.

This postcard documents the cultural and historical significance of pipestone quarrying, an important tradition for Native American communities. The scene provides insight into the social customs and labor practices of the time. Surviving examples like this offer valuable records of indigenous heritage and early 20th-century communication patterns.