New York City’s famous Metropolitan Museum of Art welcomed a new historical exhibition on October 4 centered on Native American culture. The showcase titled, “Art of Native America,” holds the span of 116 “masterworks.” It represents Native American artists and culture through correct representation and an appropriate narrative. The collection celebrates artists from North America across more than 50 different tribes and cultures—the pinnacle of artistic inclusivity.
University students can view the art from collectors Charles and Valerie Diker for just 12 dollars. With such cultural and historical importance, the price is a small amount to pay in order to admire the exhibit before it will no longer exist by Oct. 6, 2019.
Centered in the American Wing of the museum, the expansive showcase takes up a total of 3 continuous rooms that hold a collection of artifacts from numerous Native American tribes around the nation. The beautifully crafted items in the room range from ceremonial robes and carefully carved masks, to meticulously hand-woven baskets, and even daggers.
The MET Museum cites, “long considered to be the most significant holdings of historical Native American art in private hands, the Diker Collection has particular strengths in sculpture from British Columbia and Alaska, California baskets, pottery from southwestern pueblos, Plains drawings and regalia, and rare accessories from the eastern Woodlands.”
These rare accessories, art pieces, and more are placed on display in order to highlight a culture that is often pushed to the background and ignored by the masses. Throughout history, Native American culture has often been forgotten, but this collection is bringing it to the forefront. This exhibit is reintroducing a Native American narrative in art.
Kaitlyn Hedges, University sophomore, admired the exhibit and specifically, the beaded objects available for viewing. “It’s hard to imagine putting so much time into something when it could be ruined,” said Hedges.
These intricate designs that Hedges noted are indeed the epitome of beauty. Each object placed in the showcase displays meticulous carvings, hand crafted beads, and designs of cultural importance to the tribes that created them. Every artifact is exquisite and unique and delivers a different experience at every glass box display, for tourists to enjoy.
An interesting item on display is the beautifully stitched parka jacket that was crafted from an interesting material: seal intestines. Other unique focal points of the exhibit are wooden fine tooth combs, rattles for both children and shamans, coming of age dresses for young women, and flawless woven baskets.
“Art of Native America: The Charles and Valerie Diker Collection” will be open to the public from October 4, 2018, through October 6, 2019 at The Met Fifth Avenue in The American Wing. https://t.co/Nn5FBNtQQo #ArtofNativeAmerica pic.twitter.com/FTACCkpPYd
— The Met (@metmuseum) October 2, 2018
Tourists can visit the museum and experience the artistic and functional designs from the history of Native America. The MET was timely in the decision to add this collection to their American Wing, as it includes Native Americans and their culture in the art history of America. This exhibit emphasizes equal representation for Native Americans as anyone can view this exquisite display.
Make sure to plan time to visit the exhibit at The MET before Oct. 6 in 2019. It’s a must see collection for all. Plan your visit to The MET today!
Featuring 116 artworks from more than 50 cultures across North America, “Art of Native America” is the first exhibition of Indigenous American art to be presented in The Met’s American Wing since it was established in 1924. https://t.co/Nn5FBNtQQo #ArtofNativeAmerica pic.twitter.com/4RqmJ4FvVs
— The Met (@metmuseum) October 2, 2018
