Native Americans, since our time in 8th grade, have been of great interest in our study of history. This ethnic group, among the oldest indigenous groups of the country, and state, that we live in, they are often forgotten. The National Museum of the American Indian is dedicated to preserving the culture of this group, while also educating the public about what may not be known about this group. The museum is unique in that it does not only show beautiful artifacts for the public to enjoy, but it also seeks to portray their way of life, their language, and a wholesome overview of their culture.

Object #1

1. This artifact is called the Arapaho Pipe Bag. According to the museum, it was used in most likely Wyoming or Oklahoma. The bag consists of animal hide, pain, glass beads, feathers, and brass bells. In terms of what this tells us about whoever had it, it seems that this pipe bag was used in worship, so it is safe to say whosever this was, they were religious and partook in rituals, which most likely included using this bag.
2. This bag, although it may seem as just an instrument, shows us that this group of people had very complex lives. They were more than hunting, gathering, protecting their land, and everything else that textbooks make them out to be. It fills in our knowledge by showing that these Native Americans had a structured, complex way of life, comparable to our lives today.
3. It broadens the narrative of NYC, because it shows the foundation of the rich culture we have today. Back in these times, the 19th century, the people that inhabited this land engaged in worship and cultural customs, preserving their identity. The elaborate use of instruments such as this for worship shows us how involved they were in maintaining their culture and identity, but it also shows how much was lost in this time. We do not see this instrument commonly used, or represented in media today, which shows that, sadly, despite their efforts to maintain their culture, they still lost some of it along the way.

Object #2

1. This artifact is called the Margaret Tafoya vase, which was made by Margaret Tafoya in the 20th century (1962). According to the information given at the museum, Margaret learned the art of pottery-making from her mother, and soon thereafter became popular in Santa Clara. The vase does not seem to have provided any much utility, considering its elaborate design, however possibly could have been used as a decoration or something to store water/other materials in.
2. This vase reveals that there was an appreciation for art in the lives of these Native Americans. They not only performed their daily, necessary tasks, but also engaged in other activities, such as the arts. This vase also shows that they had considerable talent in pottery and embroidery, and it is possible that these skills were passed on from generation to generation.
3. Today, it is said that in Santa Clara, pottery is very popular, and was most likely made popular through Margaret Tafoya and her mother. However, as previously mentioned, it shows that the lives of the Native Americans were not only based in their religious customs and their culture, but it was also enriched by art, and likely other practices. Again, it shows that this value for art is not a modern day value, but instead this precedent was set by civilizations such as the Native Americans.

Object #3

1. This artifact shows the Hohokam bracelets and the Hohokam necklace, which are from Gula County in Arizona, from around 450-1150. According to the information provided by the museum, the Hohokam bracelets were crafted from glycymeris shell. This jewelry was used as a decoration for women, adults and children alike.
2. This tells us that female beauty was probably valued, seeing as these women, both women and children, augmented their beauty through the use of jewelry. While many stereotypes leave the impression that these people were very primal and did not value beauty, these artifacts reveal that this was most likely not the case.
3. It broadens the narrative, because it shows that custom as simple as dressing up date back to this time, and continue until today. Although it is hard to believe, this civilization laid the foundation for ideals, such as beauty, back then and their influence lasts to this day.