Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology

Llewellyn L. Loud is an iconic figure in California and Great Basin anthropology, a man who made significant contributions to the field but whose path was as unique as he was. He made his way from Maine to U.C. Berkeley, and after holding a number of positions, including as guard and janitor, worked as a senior preparator and then went on to excavate some of the most important archaeological sites in the region. As described by his supervisor A. L. Kroeber, Loud was a singular individualósolitary, stubborn, independent, and loyaló as well as being a humanist and open socialist at a time when such beliefs were far from mainstream. Six newly discovered studio photographs recently found at Washington State University are revealing of Loudís unique character. The details of this coincidental discovery are discussed here, along with relevant background information about Loud and early twentiethcentury studio portraiture.