From the Great Plains to the coast of California, this region encompasses many cultures.
1600 C.E.–present
videos + essays
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Earth Song by Allan Houser
Allan Houser’s Earth Song depicts an Apache man singing a song of respect, a prayer to Mother Earth. Discover why Earth Song is a masterpiece with David Roche, Dickey Family Director and CEO of the Heard Museum.
Headdress (Cheyenne or Lakota)
A headdress that is in exceptional condition tells us about warrior culture among the Lakota or Cheyenne
Mató Nájin/Standing Bear, Battle of Little Bighorn
A drawing in pencil, ink, and watercolor over 8 feet long tells the story of the Battle of Little Bighorn
War Shirt (Upper Missouri River)
Studying art during a pandemic, a rare early Plains war shirt, and cultural resilience in the face of disease.
Nellie Two Bear Gates, Suitcase
This one-of-a-kind suitcase tells the surprising story of an artist, a wedding, and a people.
Henry Oscar One Bull, Custer’s War
What most American students learn about as Custer's Last Stand was the last great victory for the Lakota people.
Bear Claw Necklace (Pawnee)
Six bears were required to create this necklace, meant imbue the Pawnee chief with protection and power.
Juana Basilia Sitmelelene, Presentation Basket (Chumash)
The artist used Spanish coins as models for the coats of arms woven into this basket in California, then New Spain.
Feathered war bonnet
Coachella style has perpetuated stereotypes—but war bonnets have important cultural and spiritual significance.
Eastern Shoshone: Hide Painting of the Sun Dance, attributed to Cotsiogo (Cadzi Cody)
Hide painting, a long tradition among Great Basin and Great Plains peoples, was adapted to appeal to tourists.
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