Native American Collection G lencairn's Native American Gallery is organized according to geographic regions and includes artifacts from tribes in Mesoamerica, the Northwest, the Southwest, the Plains, the Eastern Woodlands, and the Inuit areas. The oldest pieces date from 3000 to 1000 BC, but most were produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many were used in daily life and illustrate the way that religion permeated the lives of Native Americans.
Several objects have special religious significance.
The 19th century mask shown above is from Alaska and is probably Tlingit. It is carved in the shape of a stylized human face surmounted by a bird's head. Masks were worn by shamans in religious ceremonies, by Secret Society dancers, and by family or clan leaders in order to display their heritage and honor. T he kachina doll above dates to the late 19th century. Kachina dolls were traditionally given to Hopi children on ceremonial occasions as part of their religious training.