Art of the Americas: Native America

The Southwestern United States has been the homeland of indigenous peoples for more than 10,000 years. Over the millennia, drastic changes occurred in the natural environment, producing the semi-arid desert and mountainous terrain we know today. Important innovations introduced from Mexico made life in the harsh environment easier, particularly agriculture, weaving and ceramics.

By 1000 A.D., the population had increased and migrated to ceremonial and administrative centers where ambitious agricultural and building projects were focused. Painted pottery for ceremonial as well as utilitarian use became an important and abundant aesthetic medium. These great builders and artists are now commonly referred to as the Anasazi culture.

NOMA's collection includes many fine examples of Native American art works from the Anasazi era through contemporary Pueblo peoples who are their descendants and the Northwestern Coast peoples of British Columbia.