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nativeamericans.bsky.social
Native American Culture
@nativeamericans.bsky.social
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Exploring the rich archives of Native American culture through art, craftsmanship, history, and the beauty of its people.

Pfp credit: Takes Enemy (Subject), Gertrude Käsebier (Photographer)
Banner: Jack Davis
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Hollow Horn Bear
Date: 1907
Artist: Edward S. Curtis
Hollow Horn Bear, Native American Date: 1907 Artist: Edward S. Curtis, American, 1868–1952 SOURCE: https://www.artic.edu/artworks/49941/hollow-horn-bear
February 25, 2025 at 7:14 PM
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Wedding Basket
Date: c. 1895
Artist: Pomo
Northern California, United States
Wedding Basket Date:c. 1895 Artist: Pomo, Native American Northern California, United States Given to a bride at her betrothal, twined dowry baskets are some of the largest and most complex objects woven by Pomo artists. The basic pattern of this basket includes different sizes of serrated design motifs that are animated with topknot feathers from the California quail, imported glass beads, and indigenous clamshell beads. Status On View, Gallery 136 Department Arts of the Americas Culture Pomo Title Wedding Basket Place California (Object made in:) Date 1890–1900 Medium Plant fibers, feathers, and glass and clamshell beads Dimensions 61 × 63.5 cm (24 × 25 in.) Credit Line Mrs. Leonard S. Florsheim Jr. Fund; African and Amerindian Art Purchase Fund Reference Number 2000.323 IIIF Manifest https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/155966/manifest.json SOURCE LINK: https://www.artic.edu/artworks/155966/wedding-basket
February 24, 2025 at 11:12 PM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
“The foxes run. The foxes die. I mourn them, but I understand that there is danger in mourning for those who would not mourn for you in return. Empathy is for those who can afford it. Empathy is for the privileged. Empathy is not for Nature.” — Tanya Tagaq, Split Tooth
Photo by Josh Meeder: https://www.pexels.com/photo/arctic-landscape-of-snowcapped-mountain-11011921/ Photo by Ydes Rappelet: https://www.pexels.com/photo/drone-photography-of-snow-covered-mountains-9733790/
January 27, 2025 at 5:55 PM
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Native American Baskets
Photographer: Adam Clark Vroman
Date: ca. 1900
Title: [Native American Baskets] Artist: Adam Clark Vroman (American, La Salle, Illinois 1856–1916 Altadena, California) Date: ca. 1900 Medium: Platinum print Dimensions: 5 3/4 x 4 3/8 Classification: Photographs Credit Line: Gilman Collection, Museum Purchase, 2005 Object Number: 2005.100.1334 LINK: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/286453
January 13, 2025 at 6:05 AM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
Bow Guard (Ketoh)
Date: 1900–20
Artist: Navajo (Diné)
Bow Guard (Ketoh) Date: 1900–20 Artist: Navajo (Diné), Native American “During the 1860s and early 1870s, Navajos (Diné) learned silversmithing from Hispanic artisans in New Mexico, and Plains Indian craftsmen whose own metalwork stemmed from Colonial sources in the eastern United States. Mexican pesos, U.S. American dollars, and ingot silver were melted down and recast in molds carved from soft volcanic tufa. Navajo silversmiths employed steel tools and punches to develop decorative patterns. Early concho belts, bow guards, bracelets, necklaces, horse headstalls, and other items of silver jewelry display massive forms and simple ornamentation. By the 1890s turquoise was increasingly used; although most turquoise was obtained from Southwestern sources, some was imported from China and Iran. Navajo silversmiths rapidly established a distinctive elegant style that has become one of the classic hallmarks of Native American art in the greater Southwest. Today, Navajo jewelry, like that of their neighboring Pueblo neighbors, exhibit much greater complexity of design and the use of diverse semiprecious stones, shell, and a variety of metals.” — The Art Institute of Chicago Link: https://www.artic.edu/artworks/198335/bow-guard-ketoh
January 8, 2025 at 7:20 PM
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Woman's Dress
Sioux (Teton)
ca. 1880
OVERVIEW: Title: Woman's Dress Date: ca. 1880 Geography: United States Culture: Sioux (Teton) Medium: Native-tanned leather, glass beads Dimensions: W. 57 × L. 49 in. (144.8 × 124.5 cm) Classification: Hide-Costumes Credit Line: Gift of Charles and Valerie Diker, 1999 Object Number: 1999.484.4 LINK: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/318347 Native American, Indigenous
December 28, 2024 at 8:56 AM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
"We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren, and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish, and trees." — Qwatsinas (Hereditary Chief Edward Moody), Nuxalk Nation
Photo by Alex Moliski Source Link: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-lush-green-field-surrounded-by-tall-pine-trees-ONKdIIoA6tk?utm_content=creditShareLink&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash Native American
December 6, 2024 at 12:40 AM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
Ceremonial Robe
Western Apache
ca. 1880
Ceremonial Robe Western Apache, Native American ca. 1880 Title: Ceremonial Robe Date: ca. 1880 Geography: United States Culture: Western Apache Medium: Native-tanned leather, pigment Dimensions: L. 76 x W. 54 in. (193 x 137.2 cm) Classification: Hide-Costumes Credit Line: Gift of Charles and Valerie Diker, 1999 https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/318353
December 5, 2024 at 8:06 PM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
A Hopi Mother
Date: 1921
Artist: Edward S. Curtis
A Hopi (Native American) Mother Date: 1921 Artist: Edward S. Curtis https://www.artic.edu/artworks/49957/a-hopi-mother
December 3, 2024 at 11:49 PM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
Frame Drum
Native American (Hupa, probably)
19th century
Frame Drum Native American (Hupa, probably) 19th century “Square or rectangular double-headed drums are found in Northern California among the Hupa (Athabaskan), Twana and Klallam (Coast Salishan) peoples. Late nineteenth-century ethnologists observed a "box drum covered with leather" was used to accompany Hupa gambling songs.” — The Met Museum Overview: Title: Frame Drum Date: 19th century Geography: California, United States Culture: Native American (Hupa, probably) Medium: Wood, skin, leather Dimensions: L. 20 1/4 × W. 18 5/16 × D. 3 15/16 in. (51.4 × 46.5 × 10 cm); Stick L. 13 7/8 in. (35.2 cm) Classification: Membranophone-double-headed / frame drum Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889 Object Number: 89.4.3395 https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/502928
December 3, 2024 at 5:36 PM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
Raven Rattle
Artist: Native American (Tshimshian probably)
Date: 19th century
Raven Rattle Artist: Native American (Tshimshian probably) Date: 19th century Title: Raven Rattle Date: 19th century Geography: Skidegate, British Columbia, Canada Culture: Native American (Tshimshian probably) Medium: Wood, pebbles, polychrome Dimensions: W. 9.7 x L. 35cm (3 13/16 x 13 3/4in.) Classification: Idiophone-Shaken-rattle Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889 https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/501231
November 29, 2024 at 5:41 PM
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Tobacco bag with pipe-stem case
Northern Cheyenne, Native American
ca. 1870
Tobacco bag with pipe-stem case Northern Cheyenne, Native American ca. 1870 “The narrow sleeve on this tobacco bag held a pipe’s wood stem. A woman embellished it with stylized feathers and a wavy line of beadwork, perhaps to suggest the pipe’s role in transmitting sacred smoke and prayer. A single Thunderbird, a powerful spirt, is represented near the opening; hourglass motifs—common in Plains painting, quillwork, and bead-embroidered designs—are featured on the body; and a finely twisted, two-ply fringe hangs from the bottom.” — The Met Museum https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/751516
November 28, 2024 at 11:26 PM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
Mask
Yup'ik, Native American
ca. 1900
Mask Yup'ik, Native American ca. 1900 “Worn during dance ceremonies, this Yup’ik mask depicts the artist’s vision of the universe. The whimsical imagery combines elements drawn from the Arctic realms of earth, sky, and water, such as the face with a black paw motif, the finely rendered fingers of a human hand grasping a fish, the head of a bird, and the seal. The bent willow bow that frames the central image once held feathers or other adornments.” — The Met Museum Overview: Title: Mask Date: ca. 1900 Geography: Made in Alaska, United States Culture: Yup'ik, Native American Medium: Wood, pigment, and vegetal fiber Dimensions: 20 1/2 × 15 × 8 in. (52.1 × 38.1 × 20.3 cm) Credit Line: The Charles and Valerie Diker Collection of Native American Art, Gift of Charles and Valerie Diker, 2021 Accession Number: 2021.434.1 https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/717572
November 27, 2024 at 3:05 AM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
A Jicarilla chief.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis
A Jicarilla chief, Native American Artist: Edward S. Curtis Link: https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47da-82e6-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
November 26, 2024 at 8:16 PM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
Dance Blanket with Diving Whale and Raven Motifs
Date: Late 19th century
Artist: Chilkat Tlingit
Dance Blanket with Diving Whale and Raven Motifs Date: Late 19th century Artist: Chilkat Tlingit, Native American https://nocache.www.artic.edu/artworks/86812/dance-blanket-with-diving-whale-and-raven-motifs
November 26, 2024 at 7:27 AM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
Quanah Parker, Comanche Chief
Quanah Parker, Comanche Native American Chief About this Item Title [Quanah Parker, Comanche Indian Chief, full-length portrait, standing, facing front, holding feathers, in front of tepee] https://www.loc.gov/item/89714963/
November 26, 2024 at 12:16 AM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
Polychrome Jar
Date: c. 1900
Artist: Cochiti
Polychrome Jar Date: c. 1900 Artist: Cochiti Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico, United States Native American Status On View, Gallery 136 Department Arts of the Americas Culture Pueblo De Cochiti, Native American Title Polychrome Jar Place New Mexico (Object made in) Date 1890–1910 Medium Ceramic and pigment Dimensions 46.3 × 44.4 cm (18 1/4 × 17 1/2 in.) Credit Line Gift of Charles and Marjorie Benton EXHIBITION HISTORY Flagstaff, AZ, Generations in Clay: Pueblo Pottery of the American Southwest (organized by American Federation of Arts, New York), July 1980–Oct. 1980, cat. fig. 60; Richmond, VA, Museum of Fine Arts, Nov. 18, 1980–Jan. 4, 1981; Madison, WI, Elvehjem Museum of Art [Chazen Museum of Art], University of Wisconsin–Madison, Feb. 8–Mar. 29, 1981; Evanston, IL, Mary and Leigh Block Gallery, Northwestern University, May 13–June 28, 1981; Santa Ana, CA, Bowers Museum, closed Sept. 30, 1981; Midland, MI, Midland Center for the Arts, Nov. 1–29, 1981; Seattle Art Museum, Jan. 21–Mar. 14, 1982; Phoenix, AZ, Heard Museum, May–June 6, 1982. https://www.artic.edu/artworks/207264/polychrome-jar
November 25, 2024 at 5:52 AM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
Bowcase and Quiver
Nez Perce, Native American
ca. 1870
Bowcase and Quiver Nez Perce, Native American ca. 1870 Title: Bowcase and Quiver Artist: Nez Perce artist Date: ca. 1870 Geography: Idaho, Oregon, or Washington, United States; United States Culture: Nez Perce Medium: Otter skin, native-tanned leather, wool cloth, glass beads, ermine, and silk ribbon Dimensions: Overall: H. 45 in. (114.3 cm) Other (quiver): H. 32 1/4 x W. 6 1/4 in. (81.9 x 15.9 cm) Other (bowcase): H. 38 1/2 x W. 3 5/8 in. (97.8 x 9.2 cm) Classifications: Hide-Costumes, Beads-Containers Credit Line: Gift of Charles and Valerie Diker, 1999 Exhibition History: New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Native Paths: American Indian Art from the Collection of Charles and Valerie Diker," May 7, 1998–January 2, 2000. New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Native Paths III:American Art from the Collection of Charles and Valerie Diker," May 25, 1999–January 2, 2000. New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Art of Native America," October 4, 2018–October 4, 2019. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/318357
November 24, 2024 at 6:34 PM
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Toknovije, Walapai girl.
Artist:Curtis, Edward S.
Date: 1907
Toknovije, Walapai girl Native American Link: https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47da-7b50-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
November 23, 2024 at 8:15 PM
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“Murder can heal if applied sparingly. Murder can feed us. Life murders us every day.”
— Tanya Tagaq, Split Tooth
Photo by Allan Carvalho: https://www.pexels.com/photo/northern-lights-in-starry-sky-15250240/
November 22, 2024 at 10:45 PM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
Arikara Girl
Date: 1908
Artist: Edward S. Curtis
Arikara Girl Native American Link: https://www.artic.edu/artworks/49996/arikara-girl
November 22, 2024 at 9:29 PM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
Pair of Parfleches
Brulé Sioux
1880–85
Pair of Parfleches Brulé Sioux, Native American 1880–85 Title: Pair of Parfleches Date: 1880–85 Geography: Object place South Dakota, United States Culture: Brulé Sioux Medium: Rawhide, pigment, Native-tanned skin ties Dimensions: (1) H. 22 1/2 x W. 13 3/8 in. (57.2 x 34 cm) (2) H. 22 1/4 x W. 12 7/8 in. (56.5 x 32.7 cm) https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/319188
November 22, 2024 at 6:15 PM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
Men's pair of moccasins
Date: Before 1931
Tribe: Arapaho, Native American
Men's pair of moccasins Before 1931 Culture Arapaho Country United States Object pair, moccasin Medium Leather and beads Accession Number 1931.9A-B Credit Line Purchase from St. Michael's Mission Arapaho artist, Pair of moccasins, n.d. Leather and beads; 10½ x 4 x 4¼. Denver Art Museum: Purchase from St. Michael's Mission, 1931.9A-B Dimensions length: 10 1/2 in, 26.67 cm; width: 4 in, 10.16 cm; height: 4 1/4 in, 10.795 cm Department Native Arts Collection Indigenous Arts of North America Link: https://www.denverartmuseum.org/en/object/1931.9a-b
November 22, 2024 at 10:38 AM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
“This is where my lesson was learned: pain is to be expected, courage is to be welcomed. There is no choice but to endure. There is no other way than to renounce self-doubt. It is the time of the Dawning in more ways than one. The sun can rise, and so can I.” — Tanya Tagaq, Split Tooth
Photo by Tobias Bjørkli https://www.pexels.com/photo/aurora-lights-1693095/
November 21, 2024 at 10:51 PM
nativeamericans.bsky.social
War shirt
Crow, Native American
ca. 1880
War shirt Crow, Native American ca. 1880 “This richly embellished garment, which embodies layers of spiritual and military meaning, would have been worn by a man of great stature on ceremonial occasions. The red ocher paint on the upper half represents an aspect of holy power. The rolled fringes made from ermine pelts hanging from the arms and chest, together with the human hair on the flaps at the neck, signify bravery and victory over the enemy.” Artwork Details Title: War shirt Date: ca. 1880 Geography: Made in Montana, United States Culture: Crow, Native American Medium: Tanned leather, glass beads, pigment, wool cloth, ermine, human hair, and feathers Dimensions: 41 × 59 7/8 in. (104.1 × 152.1 cm) Credit Line: The Charles and Valerie Diker Collection of Native American Art, Gift of Valerie-Charles Diker Fund, 2017 Accession Number: 2017.718.6 https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/751513
November 21, 2024 at 9:59 PM