PapaMarshall

Day 4b – 10/26 – Native North Americans at the Denver Museum

Before we even got into the exhibit proper, we were presented with a display of pottery from various southwest tribes.  Here are a few examples:

Jeddito Yellow-Ware ladle dating to 1350-1625. This ladle by ancestral Pueblo craftsmen comes from the Hopi region of Northern Arizona. Hopi potters still use yellow clay and a stippling pattern.
Cooking pot (920-1180) and mug (1060-1260) both from Mesa Verde and a canteen (1050-1300) from Rio Grande
Hopi canteen from ~1900 showing the face of Katsina Palhik Mana (Butterfly Maiden)

Not all the items in the exhibit were from southwest tribes.  Actually a major section of the exhibit was devoted to introducing us to the inhabitants of each region of North America – from Inuits to Seminoles.  But for some reason I focused on information related to Navajos. Go figure.

Weaving depicting a sand painting. Sadly I lost my photo of the description – it was fascinating.
Model of participants in a Blessing Way ceremony
Full-size hogan. The plaque on the side talks about how this hogan received a formal blessing when it was finished. Sadly, the door (as far as I can tell) faces west.

Another major section of the exhibit displayed paintings and drawings depicting Native Americans – from the eyes of Insiders (Natives) and Outsiders (Non-Natives)

The work by Outsiders was of a type that will be very familiar to many of us.  The work by Insiders was somewhat different.  Here are a couple of examples:

In sum, I would rate this Museum (and in particular this exhibit) as a Must See for anyone wishing to increase their knowledge of and appreciation for those who were here before we invaded their world.

2 Comments

  1. c-Figured I knew enough about the Navajos so I skipped them – was interested in the Seminole Indians who hid away from the white men in the Everglade swamps!

Comments are closed.