In 1890, Norwegian naturalist Carl Lumholtz set out on muleback to explore remote areas of the Sierra Madre Del Norte in Northwestern Mexico. His patience and humane attitude won over the Indian tribes, and he was allowed to photograph and record their lives and evidence of their ancient past. During his travels, Lumholtz wrote down the stories, rituals, songs, and sayings of the Indians. He visited their ruins and sketched the clay artifacts of the Shaft Tomb Culture and Tarascan Empire.

Up to that time, the rugged terrain and independent spirit of the people had kept modern civilization away. Now dams and highways have brought rapid change, and much of what Lumholtz saw is disappearing.