As discussions about the ongoing colonization and land theft of Palestine continue, I want to reiterate that the myth of empty lands, referred to as “Terra Nullius”, is a colonial framework that is used to justify the conquest of Indigenous lands and bodies on Turtle Island as well. In my own pursuits of connecting with historic Palestine through photo archives, I saw parallels between how Palestinians and Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island thrive in nature and community. How their living practices tended to the land they lived on, rather than taking advantage of its resources.
In exploring photo archives of Palestinians and Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island further, it became evident to me that these photos pose a threat to the illusion of a state and its ongoing preservation.
Slide 1 - Matson (G. Eric and Edith) Photograph Collection // Trimming olive trees in Palestine https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/matpc.16614
Slide 2 - Curtis (Edward S.) Collection // Buffalo berry gatherers—Mandan http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ds.15098
Slide 3 - Matson (G. Eric and Edith) Photograph Collection // Women’s Institute J’lem [i.e., Jerusalem]. Arab women knitting in Old City
https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/matpc.17793
Slide 4 - National Photo Company Collection // Navajo Indians, blanket and belt weavers
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3c26405
Slide 5 - Matson (G. Eric and Edith) Photograph Collection // Four Palestinian women on way to market with baskets on heads
https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/matpc.07350
Slide 6 - Curtis (Edward S.) Collection // Saguaro fruit gatherers—Maricopa
http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3c11943