War Helmet, Tlingit, Alaska, 1888-1893.
Made by a group of Native Americans from the coast of SE Alaska this expressive helmet would no doubt startle their enemies.
Collections Beget Museums
Pot, 20th Century, Maria Martinez, The Millicent Rogers Museum, Taos NM.
Maria Martinez came from a long line of potters and kept up the tradition in her own family. The Millicent Rogers Museum received a wonderful collection of this family’s work. Rogers was a great supporter of Native American artists during her lifetime and the museum is her former house which features her collections and special exhibitions.
Recycling
Howling Wolf, Southern Cheyenne, 1849-1927. Oberlin Ledger, Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH.
Plains Native Americans used ledgers as sources of paper to create artistic records of battles and other important events.
Beauty and Warmth
Navajo Blanket, 1881 from New Mexico, Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies.
In the 17th century sheep were introduced to the American Southwest by the Spanish. Navajo women used designs learned from Mexico and expanded upon them until they created their own unique designs.
Looking Outside of Boundries
Sioux Seed Player by Oscar Howe
Oscar Howe was a Yanktonai Native American who combined Native traditions with modern art methods. His work allowed the Native artists who came after him to expand the arts that are usually practiced by native peoples. His work is in collections and has been exhibited all over the world.