The stone artifacts in this exhibit date from the Paleo-American period (12,000 BCE or earlier–8000 BCE) to the Woodland period (1000 BCE-1000 CE), and they represent the development of these peoples from hunters, fishers, and gatherers into civilizations that were experimenting with agriculture, but who continued to fish and hunt in the lush valleys and forests of the Eastern … [Read more...] about Ancient Native American Stone Artifacts: Researched by Hannah Harmon
Molas are colorful, hand-sewn textiles that are produced by the female artisans of the Kuna culture of the San Blas region of Panama. The earliest molas are said to have developed after the arrival of Spanish missionaries in Central America, when women were encouraged to cover their bare upper torsos. In response, the Kuna women created blouses made of imported cotton cloth … [Read more...] about The Molas of the Kuna Culture: Researched by Tana Redman, Codee Ratliff, and Elizabeth Ferguson
This vessel is an excellent example of the skilled art pottery made by the artisans of San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua. These vessels strongly illustrate the Mestizo (mixed European and indigenous) heritage of the region; the vessels are made using traditional terra cotta clays, but formed using the imported Spanish method of throwing the vessel on a potter’s wheel. The vessels … [Read more...] about Sgraffito Vessel with Four Swimming Turtles: Researched and Reproduced by Katelynn McGuire
This display consists of accurate reproductions of ancient, high-status pendants and pectorals produced by the artisans of the ancient Isthmian region cultures, who inhabited the area from Costa Rica down to northern Colombia. These ornaments were likely worn by the rulers and spiritual leaders of the Isthmian cultures, as the shiny, brilliant gold surfaces are known to have … [Read more...] about Reproductions of Isthmian Region Tumbaga Ornaments: Researched by Jenna Smith and Johanna Typaldos
The Native peoples of the Great Plains consist of a variety of cultures who adopted a similar lifestyle that enabled them to survive in this relatively harsh region. These peoples based their subsistence upon the great bison herds, depending on them for food, clothing, and shelter; following these herds required the Great Plains peoples to adopt a nomadic existence with few … [Read more...] about Regalia of the Great Plains Nations: Researched by Macaylah Gant Hodge