Back to Top Native American Hennepin History Museum's collection of Native American artifacts contains beautiful examples of ceremonial and utilitarian objects used by local Ojibway and Dakota people. Ceremonial and celebratory objects include jingle dresses, horn spoons and drums. Utilitarian objects include beaded moccasins and clothing, cradle boards and even a birch bark canoe. The HHM collection also includes examples of Native American craft traditions that were applied to the tourist trade, things such as baskets and elaborately beaded objets d'art. Beginning in Fall 1999, many of HHM's Native American collection will be on rotating display in the museum.
Generosity is an important virtue in Dakota culture.
1903, was used in food offerings and embodies Dakota generosity. Pipestone head with a beaded handle. Back to Top Decorative Arts HHM's decorative arts collection is comprised of objects that were either brought to or used in Hennepin County. The collection consists of artifacts made of glass, pottery, metal, plastic and other types of materials. Then there are the objects that were beautiful in form and also functional, such as the 1840s beer pitcher pictured here.