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](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Screen-Shot-2022-06-15-at-1.16.09-PM-570x350.png)
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](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Outfit-thumb-570x350.jpg)
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)](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/gorget-thumb-570x350.jpg)
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](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/nampeyothumb-570x350.jpg)
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, <em>Buffalo Dancers</em>](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Buffalo-dance-thumb-570x350.jpg)
Julian Martinez, Buffalo Dancers
Martinez’s distinctive style developed from studying Southwestern pottery and Modernist abstraction.
![Juana Basilia Sitmelelene, Presentation Basket (Chumash)](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Native-American-West-thumb-570x350.jpg)
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.