Plains Indian Artwork from the Donald Danforth Jr. Collection presents a visual account of the traditional lifeways of an extraordinary culture, as well as the finely-honed vision of an astute collector. The exhibition will be on view through September 7, 2009.
This second selection from the Danforth Collection offers distinctive moccasins, cradleboards, clothing, pipe bags, parfleches and objects of adornment and utility that represent high artistic achievement and the practical and sacred relationships that exist between Plains people and their environment.
As a major force in collecting American Indian art, Donald Danforth Jr. focused on Northern and Southern Plains art from 1850–1890, when Native Americans were adapting their former nomadic lifestyles to the confines of reservations.
Danforth realized the value of preserving these traditions for future generations and developed a collection of more than 300 objects. The Museum would like to thank Carolyn Danforth and her family for sharing this legacy. Curated by Matthew H. Robb, assistant curator of ancient American and Native American art, and Jennifer Doyle, associate educator in the Museum's education department, the collection will be on view in Gallery 120.
The picture shows Pouch, Lakota; leather, beads, and metal; 13 x 8 1/2 inches; Donald Danforth Jr. Collection 2009.39. -- www.stlouis.art.museum
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