Cultural Continuation
Native American artistic expression reflects both tradition and change. Each generation is tied to the past, but each also represents change through adaptation to new environments and opportunities. The introduction of glass beads more than three centuries ago radically altered the way Indigenous artisans embellished both utilitarian and ceremonial items, redefining what is traditional.
Contemporary artists often push boundaries, incorporating innovative designs and using new materials. Some artists continue working within traditional arts and crafts, while others incorporate patterns, designs, and objects from other tribes, regions, or cultures.
Today vibrant, diverse, and highly creative Native American art communities continue the traditions of past generations while also incorporating change and adaptation.
Objects
![Basket](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2007.24.jpg)
Basket
Lindsey Howtopat
Plateau, Yakima
![Ceremonial Axe](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2019.34.2.jpg)
Ceremonial Axe
Wayne Earles
Southeast, Caddo
![Moccasins Game](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2009.15_005.jpg)
Moccasins Game
Jane Hyden
Southwest, Dinè (Navajo), Teec Nos Pos
![Vase](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2021.24.jpg)
Vase
Jane Osti
Southeast, Cherokee
![Dough Bowl](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2009.16.jpg)
Dough Bowl
Warren Coriz
Southwest, Santo Domingo
![Wedding Basket](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2001.37.18.jpg)
Wedding Basket
Lehi Grace
Southwest, Dinè (Navajo)/Paiute
![Rodeo Weaving](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2009.19.1.jpg)
Rodeo Weaving
Hilda Tso
Southwest, Dinè (Navajo), Crystal
![Unity of Purpose](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1978.22.13-website.jpg)
Unity of Purpose
Willard Stone
Southeast, Cherokee
![Basket](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2007.47.jpg)
Basket
Vivian Harrison
Pacific Northwest, Yakama
![Women’s Belt](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2007.22.2.jpg)
Women’s Belt
Plateau, Yakima
![Santa Claus Weaving](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2007.30.2.jpg)
Santa Claus Weaving
Cheryl White
Southwest, Diné (Navajo)
![Sacred Heart Flat Bag](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2007.16.jpg)
Sacred Heart Flat Bag
Plateau, Colville
![Flower Flat Bag](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2005.175.11.jpg)
Flower Flat Bag
Roberta Conner
Pacific Northwest, Umatilla
![Uktena Jar](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/img_0706.jpg)
Uktena Jar
Karin Walkingstick
Southeast, Cherokee
![Pectoral Necklace](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1996.27.0343.jpg)
Pectoral Necklace
Bruce Caesar
Southern Plains, Pawnee/Sac & Fox
![Squash Blossom Necklace](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2001.37.22.jpg)
Squash Blossom Necklace
Southwest, Zuni
![Bolo](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2004.207-website.jpg)
Bolo
Southwest Zuni Pueblo
![Beaded Blanket Strip](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2005.175.9.jpg)
Beaded Blanket Strip
Northwest Coast, Umatilla
![Weaving](/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2001.38.jpg)
Weaving
Sarah Robinson
Southwest, Dinè (Navajo) – Two Grey Hills
![Necklace](/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2007.29.jpg)
Necklace
Southwest, Zuni
![Necklace](/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2007.29.jpg)
Necklace
Bobby Concho
Southwest, Zuni
![Olla](/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2007.28.jpg)
Olla
Robert and Melody Patricio
Southwest, Acoma Pueblo
![Spider Pot](/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2007.26.1.jpg)
Spider Pot
Joel Queen
Southeast, Eastern Band Cherokee
![Eagle & American Flag Bag](/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2007.17.jpg)
Eagle & American Flag Bag
Plateau, Colville
![“Tweety Bird” Flat Bag](/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2006.10.jpg)
“Tweety Bird” Flat Bag
Plateau, Yakama
![Necklace](/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2004.59.jpg)
Necklace
Southern Plains
![Bandolier](/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1998.53.jpg)
Bandolier
Jay Damion McGirt
Southeast, Muscogee
![Basket](/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1996.27.648.jpg)
Basket
Claude Medford, Jr.
Southeast, Choctaw
![Bracelet](/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1982.11.2.jpg)
Bracelet
Cecil Sanders
Southwest, Diné (Navajo)
![Squash Blossom Necklace](/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1982.11.1.jpg)
Squash Blossom Necklace
Cecil Sanders
Southwest, Diné (Navajo)