Plains Indian Museum

Through its collections, exhibitions, and programs--shares information about the cultures, traditions, and contemporary lives of Native peoples of the Great Plains. Our blog provides a glimpse into the topics we’re exploring.

Mee-nah-tsee-us (White Swan) (ca. 1851–1904). Apsaalooke (Crow), Montana. Painting, ca. 1887. Muslin, pencil, ink, watercolor, 37.25 x 70.5 inches. The Paul Dyck Plains Indian Buffalo Culture Collection, acquired through the generosity of the Dyck family and additional gifts of the Nielson Family and the Estate of Margaret S. Coe. NA.702.40

Curly, a Crow Scout: Finding My Ancestors in a Center Photograph

October 19, 2017 by Hunter Old Elk

One of the favorite aspects of my job is connecting living descendants of Plains culture with the objects and photographs of the past. I wait for that moment when a […]

Inside the Lodge: Plains Indian Tipis

October 19, 2017 by Hunter Old Elk

“The tipi, also referred to as a lodge, represents the heart of Plains culture. It facilitated each tribe’s nomadic way of life and was the center of social, religious, and […]

Buffalo Bill and the Wild West visited Wanamaker's Department Store in Philadelphia, and posed for the camera, probably in 1908. Store employees were intrigued by these unique customers. Gift of Gilbert Patten. P.69.1243.7

Cody and Wanamaker: The Foundation of American Indian Citizenship – Points West Online

September 29, 2017 by Nancy McClure

Originally published in Points West magazineWinter 2003 Cody and Wanamaker: The Foundation of American Indian Citizenship By Katrina KrupickaFormer Intern, Buffalo Bill Museum The life of W. F. “Buffalo Bill” […]

Plains Indian Weapons—Part 3: the Lance

August 8, 2017 by Ernest Gendron

In this third part of the series of blogs on Plains weaponry, I will talk about lances… Read part 1Read part 2 The lance—wahúkeza—is another weapon commonly used on the […]

War club. ca. 1870. Hunkpapa Sioux.. The Paul Dyck Plains Indian Buffalo Culture Collection, acquired through the generosity of the Dyck family and additional gifts of the Nielson Family and the Estate of Margaret S. Coe. NA.108.172

Plains Indian Weapons—Part 2: Stone War Club

July 31, 2017 by Ernest Gendron

In this second part of the series of blogs on Plains weaponry, I will introduce the stone-headed war club. Read part 1Read part 3 There are many types of clubs, […]

Plains Indian Weapons—Part I: Bow and Arrows

July 21, 2017 by Ernest Gendron

In a series of blogs on men’s weaponry on the plains, I will discuss several different weapons, beginning with perhaps the most well-known: the bow and arrow. Read part 2Read […]