Objectives Students will learn about Plains Indian cultures, comparing the past and the present. Students will compare Plains Indian objects from the past to contemporary art created by Plains Indian artists who are alive today. Students will learn about the Plains Indians’ origins throughout the great North American Plains. Vocabulary What is culture? Culture is a […]
From Points West magazine Originally published in Summer 1994 Ceremonial Pipes in the Plains Indian Museum By Emma I. Hansen Curator Emerita, Plains Indian Museum Before talking of holy things, we prepare ourselves by offerings…one will fill his pipe and hand it to the other who will light it and offer it to the sky and earth…they […]
Treasures from Our West Eagle hat With its special power and beauty, the eagle is the bird most revered by Plains Indian people. This hat is made of an eagle head, wing, and tail feathers over buffalo hide. It’s trimmed with brass bells and has brass button eyes. Such a hat would have been worn […]
Treasures from Our West Arapaho Ghost Dance Dress In 1890, Plains Indian people faced poverty, disease, and death on reservations. Under the leadership of the Paiute visionary, Wovoka, the Ghost Dance religion revived the hopes of many of the tribes. Wovoka taught that the people could bring about the renewal of the world by working […]
Treasures from Our West Salish Cradle Cradles continued to be made and used after Plains Indian people left the buffalo hunting way of life. This beaded cradle is Salish, and has floral designs. It could have been made for a special occasion. Materials used in its construction include brain-tanned buckskin, appliqued muslin, beads, cowrie shell, […]