Gift of Mr. Robert Campbell.

Gift of Joyce E. Osika.

Gift of Myrtle Dietsche Fisher.

Gift of Myrtle Dietsche Fisher.

Gift of Robert N. Mixon in loving memory of John and Rosalie Mixon by their children.

Standing pottery figures are unique to the Cochiti. These figures, called monos, were made from approximately 1890 to 1915, although this tradition has recently been revived. The majority of these figures represent non-Native American people satirically and reflect the wry observations of Pueblo people about non-Native American culture. This example typifies Cochiti figures, with loosely painted designs and an expression of laughter.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

Large masks, with articulated elements designed to add to the dramatic effect of the mask when it is used in a dance, are characteristic of the Kwagiutl. The dancer can manipulate the fins and mouth on this mask so that the whale would appear to be swimming.

Plains Indian people frequently made lightweight rawhide containers to hold a variety of objects. Flat envelopes and cylinders were the most common shapes, although the Lakota frequently made boxes. As part of their household duties, women laboriously made and decorated these containers from buffalo hide or cowhide that had been dried and scraped of their hair. Once the rawhide was processed, it was cut into a predetermined pattern and then folded and laced into shape. Painted geometric designs usually ornament the rawhide containers.