Virtually explore the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian with Smarthistory as your guide
Some background
videos + essays
Link to the National Museum of the American Indian's website
Paquimé jars
Connections between the southwestern U.S. and Mesoamerica are revealed in these vessels featuring parrots or macaws and a merchant.
Global trade and an 18th-century Anishinaabe outfit
This outfit was likely made for a British lieutenant and gifted to him in a ritual exchange to show mutual respect.
Mississippian shell neck ornament (gorget)
Found marking the grave of an important individual, this gorget was worn as a neck ornament during life.
Nampeyo (Hopi-Tewa), polychrome jar
Nampeyo found inspiration from the old to create a pottery style that was entirely new and highly sought after.
Julian Martinez, Buffalo Dancers
Martinez’s distinctive style developed from studying Southwestern pottery and Modernist abstraction.
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.
