The Native American Arts Collection


The unique Native American Collection at the Millicent Rogers Museum gives a comprehensive overview to the Native American cultures of the Southwest.

The examples of Native American textiles, pottery, baskets, Katsinas and jewelry on display illustrate the use and the life of the objects. 

Selected Pieces

Siwolo - Buffalo Kachina – MRM 1980.017.019
Germantown Eyedazzler – MRM 1956.001.011
Deep basket bowl - MRM 1984.072.027
 

Siwolo - Buffalo Kachina – MRM 1980.017.019

This Buffalo katsina appears in the La'pilawe Dance, the Zuni version of a Plains Indian Dance. Although the Buffalo Katsina is a Major performer in this dance, the ritual itself seeks the increase of several species of fur-bearing animals, including the mountain lion, bear, and wolf. The La'pilawe Dance was introduced to the Zuni about the turn of the century in response to the region's diminishing wildlife.

Zuni Pueblo, NM, ca. 1875.  Wood, cloth, hide, fur, shell, feathers, horsehair, tin cones.  H: 42 cm.

 
 

Germantown Eyedazzler – MRM 1956.001.011

Finely-woven Germantown Eyedazzler with concentric serrated diamond design, woven in red, white, purple, green, yellow, gold, maroon and black.  Design is enclosed on all 4 sides by a multicolored stepped border.

Navajo Nation, ca. 1890-1900.  L: 225 cm. W: 142 cm.

 
 

Deep basket bowl - MRM 1984.072.027

Brown with four repeat checkerboard patterns, braided rim. Geometric design - Spider Woman crosses. Aniline red dye. Conical shaped. 

From the collection of Popovi Da. Originally belonged to Maria Martinez and had been traded into the Pueblo of San Ildefonso.

Jicarilla Apache, NM, ca. 1910-1930. W 50.5 cm, D: 21 cm. 

 

 
 

Native American Arts

The unique Native American Collection at the Millicent Rogers Museum gives a comprehensive overview to the Native American cultures of the Southwest. The examples of Native American textiles, pottery, baskets, Katsinas and jewelry on display illustrate the use and the life of the objects. The objects in the Native American collection have a utilitarian use, a sacred life and an artistic expression. The exhibitions illustrate the aesthetic beauty of the objects and respect the objects as ceremonial pieces, making them more than simply utilitarian goods.