Mona Darkfeather, a name synonymous with the silent film era’s romanticized depictions of Native American life, remains a fascinating and somewhat controversial figure in early Hollywood history. Born Josephine M. Workman on January 13, 1883, in the vibrant community of Boyle Heights, California, her journey from an ordinary Californian girl to a celebrated "Indian Princess" is a testament to the power of early Hollywood’s image-making machine. Her parents, Joseph Manuel Workman and Josephine Mary Belt, likely had no idea that their daughter would one day become a prominent, albeit fictionalized, representation of Native American heritage on the silver screen.
The story of how Josephine Workman transformed into Mona Darkfeather begins in 1909. Bison Motion Pictures, a burgeoning studio eager to capitalize on the popular fascination with the American West, placed an advertisement seeking an "exotic looking girl" to portray an Indian princess in an upcoming silent film. Josephine, drawn to the allure of acting and perhaps the promise of adventure, answered the call. Her appearance, described by some as having striking features, secured her the part, launching her career as Mona Darkfeather.
The persona of Mona Darkfeather was carefully crafted and marketed. The studio’s publicity machine went into overdrive, claiming she was a full-blooded Blackfoot Indian. This fabrication, though common practice in early Hollywood, contributed to the complex and often problematic representation of Native Americans in film. While Mona Darkfeather herself later admitted in interviews that she was not of Native American ancestry, she perpetuated the myth by claiming to have been made a blood member of the Blackfoot Nation and bestowed the title of princess by Chief Big Thunder. This carefully constructed narrative, combined with her captivating performances, solidified her image as a genuine Native American figure in the public’s eye.
The success of "Princess Mona Darkfeather" was undeniable. She starred in over 100 films, embodying the image of the noble savage, the fierce warrior woman, and the romantic Indian princess. Some of her notable films include:
- A White Indian (1912)
- A Blackfoot’s Conspiracy (1912)
- The Massacre of the Fourth Cavalry (1912)
- A Forest Romance (1913)
- For the Peace of Bear Valley (1913)
- Justice of the Wild (1913)
- The Hidden Danger (1917) – Her last known film.
These titles reflect the common themes of Westerns during that era: conflicts between settlers and Native Americans, romanticized portrayals of Native American culture, and tales of adventure and survival in the untamed wilderness. While these films provided entertainment for audiences, they often reinforced harmful stereotypes and misrepresented the realities of Native American life.
Beyond the silver screen, Mona Darkfeather’s personal life unfolded with its own set of complexities. Her family history reveals a lineage rooted in California. Her father, Joseph Manuel Workman, was born in 1833 and passed away in 1901. Her mother, Josephine Mary Belt, lived from 1851 to 1937. Mona had several siblings: Mary Cristina Workman (1870–1963), Agnes Elizabeth Workman (1872–1957), Marie Lucile "Lucy" Workman (1875–1944), William Joseph Workman (1877–1956), George D. Workman (1879–1903), and Nellie Workman (1886–1888). Her grandfather was William Workman (1799–1876).
Mona Darkfeather’s romantic life was equally eventful. In 1912, she married Frank Montgomery (born Frank Akley), who also served as her director. Their marriage lasted until 1928, when they divorced. In 1928, she married Alfred G. Wessling (1869–1941), but this union also ended in divorce in 1935. Perhaps drawn to the familiarity and comfort of her past, Mona remarried Frank Montgomery on December 23, 1937. They remained married until Frank’s death in 1944.
The life of Mona Darkfeather, both on and off screen, offers a glimpse into the early days of Hollywood and the creation of cinematic legends.
Despite her fame, Mona Darkfeather’s later years were marked by a degree of obscurity. She passed away on September 3, 1977, at the age of 94, from a stroke caused by cerebral atherosclerosis. She died in a convalescent center on South Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles. Her final resting place is in Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California, in section K, lot 116, grave 7. However, her grave is unmarked, and she is interred under the name Josephine Akley, a poignant reminder of the woman behind the "Indian Princess" persona.
The legacy of Mona Darkfeather remains a topic of discussion and debate. While her performances brought joy to audiences and contributed to the development of early cinema, her portrayal of Native Americans raises questions about cultural appropriation and the perpetuation of stereotypes. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible representation in media and the need to critically examine the historical context in which these images were created. Even today, the name Mona Darkfeather evokes a powerful image of the silent film era, with all its glamour and its problematic portrayals. Mona Darkfeather was a product of her time.
Mona Darkfeather’s career highlights a critical period in film history. Mona Darkfeather, the actress, embodies the complexities of representation and identity in early Hollywood.