Common Ground

Exhibition Proposal for the Midwest Museum of Natural History

Current Native Peoples Displays

The Common Crafts

Sample Labels

A Variety of StylesDolls are creations common to many cultures. In modern Western culture many people view dolls simply as play things, but they haven’t always been seen this way. They can wield spiritual significance, such as the Kachina dolls of the Navajo, or be a reflection of how a tribe dresses and distinguishes themselves, such as with the Herero, Swazi, and Ndebele dolls. No matter the reason for their creation, dolls are an integral part of a variety of cultures.

Herero and Swazi dollsNambia, Botswana, Angola, and Swailand

These dolls, from the Herero and Swazi Tribes, are decorated in the traditional clothing of the tribes. The Swazi doll on the right is wearing colorful clothing that the tribe is known for, and the traditional garment called a “mahiya”. The hat and dress of the Herero doll (on the left) is common to that culture.

Kachina DollNavajo, Southwestern United States

The Kachina doll represents various spiritual and natural elements, and were used in ceremonies and as teaching tools. The Kachina is considered a guardian and messenger to the Gods. They exist not only in doll form but also as dancers in ceremonial performances.

Making it OursIt is human to decorate. Whether creating jewelry, weaving intricate designs into textiles and baskets, or embellishing clothes, every culture has its own method of adorning their daily objects. Despite the physical distance between the various tribes of North America and Africa, many motifs found on their objects are similar because they are often pulling inspiration from the natural would around them.

San ostrich egg shell bead necklaceSouth Africa, Nambia, Botswana

The beads on this necklace, called “heishi” are carved from ostrich egg shell. They were worn as one long strand that nearly touched the ground.

Iroquois bone cow braceletIroquois, Northeastern United States and Canada

This traditional jewelry is made with deerskin leather, bone hairpipe, brass and glass beads. These are modern bracelets made in traditional styles by Iroquois women on the Six Nations Reservation in Ontario, Canada.

Working With What We HaveThere are obviously many differences in the landscape and climate of North America and Africa. These differences help to determine what type of clothing and shelter the native people will use. The Inuit, who live where it is very cold, must dress in warm layers and make clothes out of fur. The Maasai people also dress in layers, but they do this to protect them from the harsh sun. They also make their clothes out of lighter fabrics in order to keep themselves cool. Native people the world over must learn how to adapt to their surroundings and use the resources they have at hand.

ParkaInuit, Northern Canada and Alaska

This set of outer and inner parkas are made by the Inuit people. The set is necessary to protect from the frigid weather, and the inner parka is richly decorated with beading.

ShúkaMaasai, Eastern Africa

This Shúka is the traditional clothing of the Maasai people of Eastern Africa. It is worn in layers, with one over the shoulder, one around the body, and another over both. They are typically patterned with plaid or stripes.