Currently On Display

 

"Walk A Mile in Our Moccasins"

"Our feet, in moccasins, moved as softly and freely as if they were bare, and were beautiful in motion." (Bass - The Arapaho way)

The Indian Center's moccasin collection circa 1880 to mid-1900s, celebrating the artistry of footwear from tribes throughout the Plains and Northwest. Exhibit features several pairs of moccasins originally collected by the polar explorer Lincoln Ellsworth (a huge chunk of Alaska is name after him). Part of the Plains Indian collection was donated to the Indian Center by his widow.

Though the basic construction of Native American moccasins was similar, Indian people could often tell each other's tribal affiliation simply from the artwork and design of their footwear. Made primarily by women, moccasin construction was a long ongoing process. Women collected necessary supplies and then processed them into useable materials.

This exhibit will teach you about the process of brain tanning hides and the ancient art of porcupine quillwork. The tools used in the making of moccasins from prehistoric period to today will also be on display. 

 

 "Native American Women Artists"

Exhibit featuring works by prominent American Indian women artists and their biographies.

 

 Opening May 16:

"Tsate Kongia: Walking in Two Worlds, the Life of Blackbear Bosin"

Read the Press Release

Includes exhibits from the Indian Center archives, never-before-seen photographs and the "voice of Blackbear Bosin" from audio recordings made during the 1970s.

 
Opening October 18:

"From Native Hands: A Journey Through Childhood"

A collection of 1880-1960s American Indian-made toys from throughout North America.

 

 

Meet the Indian Center's Museum Director

Hello, my name is Deborah Roseke, and I have recently been given the privilege of joining the Indian Center team as the new Museum Director. Originally from Arizona, I worked at the Museum of Northern Arizona as part of the Special Events team for the Summer Indian Festivals and in the Collections Department as assistant to the Registrar for the Anthropology collections.  In addition to receiving a Bachelor's of Science in Arts Management from Northern Arizona University, I also have a great deal of retail experience. I am happy to be working with all of the artists who fill our Gift Shop with beautiful items for sale. I am also excited to come aboard at a time when so many changes are happening at the Museum, such as the new educational hands-on area for children. Most important, I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity to work with the Indian community in Wichita.