American Indian Collection

The museum works closely with regional tribes, as well as others throughout the nation, to respectfully attend to the objects in it’s care and to gain knowledge of the cultures which the collection represents.

Scholars recognize the museum’s Plateau collection as one of the foremost in the nation. The collection includes over 5,000 items of everyday use - such as cornhusk bags, coiled and twined baskets, and food preparation utensils—as well as items of special significance—clothing and personal adornments, horse gear, weapons, and dance related objects.

The MAC chooses not to display all American Indian objects online out of respect for cultural sensitivities, ethical concerns, and legal obligations. Many Indigenous communities believe that certain significant items should not be publicly viewed, as this can violate traditions, making digital display problematic. The MAC aims to build trust and collaborate with Tribes to ensure responsible representation. Additionally, digital exhibits may lack the full cultural context that in-person displays provide.

Search the American Indian Collection Online

 

^{Woman's Beaded Bag, circa 1900, spoqín/sp'q'n'iʔ/Spokan - Spokane Tribe of Indians (maker), buckskin, wool, glass, The Chap C. Dunning Memorial Collection, Gift of Chap C. Dunning, 1962 (1780.543)}