The Southwest Museum

It has often been stated that a person's eyes are the windows to their soul. True to this statement is the collection, library and achieves of the Southwest Museum in Los Angeles. Indeed a credible task to delve into the heart, spirit and soul of the Native American culture and heritage, this museum succeeds without equal.

Founded in 1907 by Charles Fletcher Lummis, a journalist and prolific historian, in order to accommodate early acquisitions of the Southwest Society, the museum moved to its present location in 1914 on Mt. Washington overlooking the Arroyo Seco, midway between downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena. The Mission Revival style architecture and seven-story tower, along with the Braun Research Library, are familiar landmarks to residents of the City of Angels.

The principle collection emphasizes artifacts from the Southwest and California, which include both prehistoric and contemporary objects. The museum boasts one of the largest collections on display of basketry that includes more than 11,000 pieces. Within the walls of the museum are Latin American colonial paintings, textiles, religious icons, decorative art, and folk art from southwestern United States, Mexico, South and Central America and Alaska. An important part of the collection is the Mesoamerican and South American pre-Columbian pottery.

The four main halls focus on art and artifacts from the Northwest Coast, the Southwest, California, and the Plains. The Northwest Coast Hall is a two-tiered gallery located in the tower portion of the museum, and divided into works from the Northern and Southern regional styles. Important works include weavings, rattles, and a Tsimshian mask and speaker's staff.

The Southwest Hall focuses on the daily life and environment of the southwestern region. On display are pottery, weaving, sculpture, jewelry, and basketry including a Navajo-wearing blanket from the 1800s, Pueblo pottery, kachina dolls and early ceremonial paraphernalia.

The California Hall highlights a replica of a Chumash Indian cave from the Santa Susanna Mountains in the San Fernando Valley that captures the history of environment and lifestyle.

The Plains Hall includes art and artifacts of music, dance, warfare, and men and women's clothing. Of particular interest are the Cheyenne teepee and the headdress of White Swan, a Crow scout who fought with General Custer.

A number of traveling exhibits that can be viewed in the galleries along with special collections. Of special note: Each fall is the Intertribal Marketplace with 100 Native American Indian artisans from throughout the United States and Mexico.

The internationally acclaimed Braun Research Library is the only facility in the Western United States with an archival collection that documents the history, culture, and arts of Native Americans. With well over 280,000 manuscripts, rare books, field notes, correspondence and photographs, this library is a rare treat to those deeply interested in heritage and culture.

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