Today we visit the National Museum of the American Indian. It's the newest addition to the National Mall Smithsonian museums.
Outside the museum are some sculptures of tipis, the tents that some tribes live in. We released a [url=www.bookcrossing.com]BookCrossing[/url] book about Native Americans there.
Here is a beautiful display of figurines.
Here are some metal crafts.
This is a statue of Pocahontas, I think.
The first part of the exhibit is Our Universes, and introduces the creation myth and cultural philosophies of different tribes. It examines the past 500 years of history from a Native point of view.
Here is a display of ceremonial objects. Including some corns, animal horns and gourd.
These are some scary masks!
But this one is almost cute!
These are parkas made by Alaska Natives.
A beaded doll, boots, and a baby carrier.
This part of the exhibit Our Lives, focusing on the cultural, social, linguistic and political issues of Native people and communities in the 21st century.
It talks about issues they face today, such as keeping their traditions.
There is also an exhibit of contemporary arts created by Native Americans.
A display of eating utensils outside the restaurant. The restuarant features a Native-inspired menu that represents five different regions of the Western Hemisphere. Entrées include fire-roasted cedar-planked salmon, buffalo burgers, Indian fry bread, tamales and other dishes.
Here is an exhibit of watercrafts.
This one called outrigger canoe is used in Hawaii. The outrigger float is called the ama, and helps stabilize the boat in wavy conditions.
This is a canoe made with animal skins.
This boat is made with some kind of weed or grass.
We sit inside this kayak.
This type of totem is typical of Northwestern Native Americans. Unfortunately we couldn't remember what is the story. We think it's a squirrel and a coyote...
We visit the gift shop. These dreamcatchers will trap bad dreams while letting the good ones pass through.
These wooden chickens are really cute!
Little toys made from Pevurian gourds.
Corn is a popular food of the Native Americans. Here's some popcorn to enjoy!
