Treasures from Our West

Here in "Treasures from Our West," written by our curatorial staff for our "Points West" magazine, we share some of the extraordinary objects that make the Buffalo Bill Center of the West the premier destination—online or in person—to experience the American West. Works of western art, cultural and artistic objects from the Plains Indians, natural science specimens, amazing firearms, beautiful photographs, and artifacts exploring the history and myth of the Wild West—let us show you some of these "Treasures from Our West."

Treasures from Our West: America swallow-tailed kite

July 16, 2014 by Nancy McClure

American swallow-tailed kite The American swallow-tailed kite is a bird of prey related to other kites, eagles, hawks, and falcons. Prior to 1900, the swallow-tailed kite bred in the United […]

Three bald eagles perched on tree branch. Gabby Barrus Collection. Gift of the Barrus Family, Marj, Mick, Jim and Page Barrus. SL.301.08.311 (detail)

Treasures from Our West: three bald eagles

July 14, 2014 by Nancy McClure

Originally featured in Points West in Winter 2010 Photographer Gabby Barrus’s Three Bald Eagles in Winter Three bald eagles gather on a branch with hints of winter all around—the bare […]

North American River Otter specimens (Lontra canadensis). DRA305.219 and DRA305.229

Treasures from Our West: River Otters

July 7, 2014 by Nancy McClure

Originally featured in Points West in Spring 2015 North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) specimens Most of the animal specimens that inhabit the Draper Natural History Museum exhibit environments have […]

Ghost Dance dress, Southern Arapaho, c. 1890, 54 x 54 inches. Tanned elk hide with numerous pigments, feathers, and fringe. Chandler-Pohrt Collection. Gift of Mary J. and James R. Jundt. NA.204.4 (detail)

Treasures from Our West: Arapaho Ghost Dance Dress

June 26, 2014 by Nancy McClure

Originally featured in Points West in Spring 2007 Arapaho Ghost Dance Dress In 1890, Plains Indian people faced poverty, disease, and death on reservations. Under the leadership of the Paiute […]

Cradleboard, Salish, Plateau 1919. Wood, tanned hide, muslin, glass beads, cowrie shells, abalone shells, mother of pearl, brass Simplot Collection, Gift of J.R. Simplot; NA.111.57

Treasures from Our West: Salish cradle

June 24, 2014 by Nancy McClure

Originally featured in Points West in Summer 2007 Salish Cradle Cradles continued to be made and used after Plains Indian people left the buffalo hunting way of life. This beaded […]

Hoop and arrows. Sioux, Northern Plains. Wood, rawhide thongs, red paint, blue paint, yellow paint, horse hair, and feathers. Royal B. Hassrick Indian Collection. NA.503.5A-C

Treasures from Our West: Plains Indian game of hoop and arrows

June 14, 2014 by Nancy McClure

Originally featured in Points West in Winter 2010 Plains Indian game of hoop and arrows In Plains Indian culture, boys and men played games that developed their skills as hunters […]