One dimension of the Sitting Bull story that connects to the broader question of how his remains and belongings have been held and studied is the existence of a significant number of photographs of him — photographs taken during his time at Fort Randall, during his years at Standing Rock, during the Wild West show tour, and on other occasions.

These photographs are part of the historical record of his life and are among the most widely reproduced images in the history of American photography of Native people.

They show a man of dignified bearing, often dressed formally, aware of the camera and its implications.

They are images made with his participation — he did not object to being photographed and on some occasions actively sought photographs that he could sign and distribute.

The photographs are relevant to the DNA and repatriation story in a few specific ways.