Smarthistory – At the National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C. and New York City

Virtually explore the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian with Smarthistory as your guide

videos + essays

Connections between the southwestern U.S. and Mesoamerica are revealed in these vessels featuring parrots or macaws and a merchant.

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

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

Nampeyo found inspiration from the old to create a pottery style that was entirely new and highly sought after.

Martinez’s distinctive style developed from studying Southwestern pottery and Modernist abstraction.

The artist used Spanish coins as models for the coats of arms woven into this basket in California, then New Spain.

At the National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D.C. and New York City