“Listening to Our Ancestors: The Art of Native Life Along the North Pacific Coast” is comprised almost entirely of works from the museum’s extensive collection and will close on July 27, 2008.

Located along the Western coast of North America from Washington state through southeast Alaska, the communities of the North Pacific coast speak different languages and participate in distinct cultural traditions. This diversity is reflected in the organization of the exhibition—with separate sections assembled by curators from the Coast Salish, Makah, Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwakwaka’wakw, Heiltsuk, Nuxalk, Tsimshian, Gitxsan, Nisga’a, Haida and Tlingit communities.

“Listening to Our Ancestors” contains 50 masks, including a number of transformation masks; elaborate works that allow the dancer to reveal a secondary identity through moving panels and mechanics. A Heiltsuk clam mask (c. 1900) can be opened to reveal a human face while the fan-like armatures of an intricate Kwakwaka’wakw sun transformation mask (c. 1870-1910) extend to reveal rays of sunshine. Other notable objects are a 13 1/2 -foot model canoe with figures by Young Doctor (1850-1933), an 18th-century Nuu-chah-nulth whaler’s hat and an extremely unusual Tlingit robe made out of a Chilkat blanket (c. 1875).

Detailing the lives of these communities, the exhibition also will feature large presentations of objects that describe potlatch ceremonies, or traditional gift-giving feasts and the importance of natural resources.

“‘Listening to Our Ancestors’ reflects the museum’s commitment to working with Native communities and presenting first-person Native voice in exhibitions and public programming,” said museum founding director W. Richard West Jr. (Southern Cheyenne). “By inviting the tribes to help develop the exhibition, an important partnership and dialogue has emerged through which the museum, the communities and visitors can learn about the cultures from the North Pacific Coast.”

“New York has had a significant history with the art of the Northwest coast, from the first displays here in the late 19th century to the 1950s abstract expressionists referencing these forms and colors in their own works,” said John Haworth (Cherokee), director of the Heye Center. “We are delighted to present this exhibition, with its contemporary presentation and inclusive discussion, here at the Heye Center.”

The New York will feature a family activity room, providing children and families with a comfortable space to explore themes presented in the exhibition. The Heye Center also will present a coordinating schedule of public programs to complement the exhibition.

An illustrated catalog, featuring narratives from several of the community curators and an introduction by Chief Robert Joseph (Kwakwaka’wakw), was published by the National Museum of the American Indian in association with National Geographic. The 192-page volume retails for $25 at the museum stores.

“Listening to Our Ancestors: The Art of Native Life Along the North Pacific Coast” premiered at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. In preparation for the exhibition, the museum worked closely with leading North Pacific coast scholars Jay Stewart and Peter Macnair. -- www.nmai.si.edu