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Dr. David W. Penney, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution

About Dr. David W. Penney, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution

David W. Penney is the associate director of museum scholarship, Exhibitions, and Public Engagement at the National Museum of the American Indian. An internationally recognized scholar, curator, and museum administrator, Penney came to the Smithsonian after a 31-year career at the Detroit Institute of Arts where he last served as vice president of exhibitions and collections strategies. Penney has taught at Wayne State University since 1988 and holds a Ph.D. in art history and archaeology from Columbia University.

Detail, Anishinaabe outfit — This outfit was likely made for a British lieutenant and gifted to him in a ritual exchange to show mutual respect.

Global trade and an 18th-century Anishinaabe outfit

by Dr. David W. Penney, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution and Dr. Steven Zucker

Nampeyo (Hopi-Tewa), polychrome jar, c. 1930s, clay and pigment, 13 x 21 cm (National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution). — Nampeyo’s pottery mixes Hopi and Tewa traditions and techniques for an American tourist market.

Nampeyo (Hopi-Tewa), polychrome jar

by Dr. David W. Penney, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution and Dr. Steven Zucker

Found marking the grave of an important individual, this gorget was worn as a neck ornament during life.

America before Columbus

by Dr. David W. Penney, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution and Dr. Beth Harris

Nampeyo (Hopi-Tewa), polychrome jar, c. 1930s, clay and pigment, 13 x 21 cm (National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution). — Nampeyo found inspiration from the old to create a pottery style that was entirely new and highly sought after.

Pueblo pottery and tourism

by Dr. David W. Penney, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution and Dr. Steven Zucker

This outfit was likely made for a British lieutenant and gifted to him in a ritual exchange to show mutual respect.

Fashioning diplomacy

by Dr. David W. Penney, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution and Dr. Steven Zucker

Detail, Anishinaabe outfit — This outfit was likely made for a British lieutenant and gifted to him in a ritual exchange to show mutual respect.

Global trade and an 18th-century Anishinaabe outfit

by Dr. David W. Penney, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution and Dr. Steven Zucker

Gorget, c. 1250-1350, probably Middle Mississippian Tradition, whelk shell, 10 x 2 cm (National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution, 18/853) — Found marking the grave of an important individual, this gorget was worn as a neck ornament during life.

Mississippian shell neck ornament (gorget)

by Dr. David W. Penney, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution and Dr. Beth Harris

Nampeyo (Hopi-Tewa), polychrome jar, c. 1930s, clay and pigment, 13 x 21 cm (National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution). — Nampeyo found inspiration from the old to create a pottery style that was entirely new and highly sought after.

Nampeyo (Hopi-Tewa), polychrome jar

by Dr. David W. Penney, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution and Dr. Steven Zucker