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Museum object · Photographs and Still Images

Pearl Primus

1989

Smithsonian NMAAHC collection

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Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

A black and white photograph of Pearl Primus by Arthur Leipzig. Primus is in the center of the image with her upper body and head visible. Primus is facing slightly to the left with her eyes downcast. She is wearing a head wrap with a small metal elephant ornament. Her dark outfit has stripe detailing. She has large white earrings and many necklaces, including one with dangling puka shells. The background is not in focus. There are handwritten inscriptions and the photographer's stamp on the reverse.

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2017.67.1

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