Native American Art Affinity Group

The museum’s Native American art collection celebrates the artistic achievements of America’s first peoples. The collection began with a gift of 25 objects from the Northwest Coast in 1928. The collection now encompasses nearly 1,500 objects from the major cultural regions across the continent, from ancient to contemporary times.

Noted pieces include a Bella Coola frontlet from the Northwest Coast, an Anishinabe beaded blanket from Minnesota, a painted tipi cover from the Plains, and a ceramic and silver collection from the Southwest region. Recent acquisitions include a large, vibrantly painted kachina figure representing the Butterfly Maiden, a Hopi symbol of regeneration and renewal.
 
Learn more about the Art of Africa and the Americas department