American Indian Beadwork Exhibit

July 18, 2008 - October 31, 2009

Times: See www.siouxlandmuseums.com

Location: Old Courthouse Museum, 6th & Main

Cost: Free

Description:

American Indian beadwork was and is today a major art form in Indian culture. Artistic expression was a central part of everyday tribal life, as Indians decorated themselves, their homes, and their possessions. Before their contact with Europeans, American Indians made their beads from stones, shells, teeth, animal bones, deer hooves, and seeds. By the late 1700s and early 1800s, Venetian glass beads had become a form of currency between European fur traders and Indian tribes all across North America. Tribes found these beads appealing, colorful, and much easier to use than porcupine quills.

The exhibit will highlight beadwork from many different North American Indian tribes including Iroquois, Chippewa, Potawatomi, Woodland, Ojibwa, and Lakota. It will feature both historical and contemporary objects as well as the different techniques the American Indians used in creating their beadwork designs. Some of the artifacts that will be on display are a shirt and leggings worn by Chief Spotted Tail, an 1870s war shirt, bandolier bags, purses, and beaded moccasins.

For more information call (605) 367-4210 or visit http://www.siouxlandmuseums.com/museums/exhibits/exhibits.asp