The Native American collection

Spanning generations and cultures

The items made by Indigenous North Americans form one of the most popular collections in the museum. While we have some early examples of Indigenous North American material culture, and some contemporary pieces, the collection primarily consists of 19th and 20th-century items that were made specifically to sell to tourists. These pieces follow the same techniques and use the same materials as earlier pieces, but they are not imbued with the same spiritual or religious importance and were intended to leave the communities where they were made.

At the end of the 15th century, before European colonisation, there were over 1,200 different Indigenous North American nations. By the early 21st century, there were only 574 federally recognised tribes in the United States.

The pieces in the collection cover a range of different material culture, including basketwork, pottery, beadwork, clothing, metalwork, sculpture, and prints and paintings. Items on display showcase the variety of regional styles from the many different nations across North America, including Canada.

As well as historic examples of items, we actively collect pieces by contemporary Indigenous artists. Among the more recent additions to the collection are several contemporary prints and soapstone carvings by artists living by the north-west coast and in Alaska, and a basket honouring Indigenous women that combines traditional weaving techniques with non-traditional materials.

Our Museum continues to source and ethically acquire examples of quality artwork by Indigenous North Americans.