Welcome to the vibrant world of Indigenous art at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). As a passionate content writer with over 15 years of experience, I am excited to guide you through the captivating galleries that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Native American artists. From contemporary masterpieces to historic treasures, SAM offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the living tradition of Indigenous art. Join me as we explore the dynamic dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation, that defines the Indigenous art collection at SAM.
Discover the Indigenous Art Galleries
Immerse yourself in the captivating galleries that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Native American artists.
Step into the vibrant world of Indigenous art at the Seattle Art Museum. The Indigenous art galleries offer a unique space where historical and contemporary works come together in a dynamic dialogue. Explore the reinstalled galleries, Art and Life Along the Northwest Coast, which beautifully blend traditional and modern art forms.
Experience the power of Indigenous art as you journey through the American and modern and contemporary galleries. Discover the connections between Indigenous art and global artistic movements, highlighting the ongoing vitality of Indigenous artistic traditions.
Must-See Pieces in the Collection
Uncover the highlights of the Indigenous art collection at Seattle Art Museum.
1. Between Rabbit and Fox, 2017: Dive into the world of geometric forms and contemporary color palettes with Jeffrey Gibson's Between Rabbit and Fox. This acrylic and graphite painting merges traditional North Coast Art Style with modernist sensibilities.
2. Crooked Beak Mask, or Galukw'amhl, ca. 1940: Witness the enduring power of art as resistance with Willie Seaweed's Crooked Beak Mask. This vividly colored bird mask is a testament to the strength and resilience of Indigenous artistic expression.
3. Architecture of Return, Escape (The British Museum), 2022: Nicholas Galanin's modern hide painting challenges colonialism and offers a visual escape plan. Explore the blue-pigmented deer hide showcasing the floor plan of the British Museum and the pictographs referencing contested Indigenous objects.
4. Yéil X'eenh (Raven Screen), ca. 1810: Marvel at the intricate details of the Tlingit painted wooden screen, Yéil X’eenh. This impressive piece depicts sacred mythological beings and showcases the rich artistic traditions of the Tlingit people.
5. Blanket Stories: Three Sisters, Four Pelts, Sky Woman, Cousin Rose, and All My Relations, 2007: Experience the emotional impact of Marie Watt's installation piece. The column of folded wool blankets evokes warmth, comfort, and protection while exploring the stories and memories they carry.
6. Platter, Qwa.a. Qiihlaa, ca. 1885: Admire the fine relief carving of Charles Edenshaw's Platter. This intricately carved black shale argillite platter depicts Raven and the Fungus Man in an ornate canoe, showcasing the mastery of Haida art.
7. The First People, 2008: Susan Point's stunning wall carving celebrates the harmonious connection between the First Peoples and their environment. Explore the intricate details of the red and yellow cedar carving, depicting abstract human faces within a network of roots and waterways.
8. Aam'halait (Headdress Frontlet), ca. 1860: Delve into the ceremonial sky blue wooden headdress created by a Tsimshian artist. Admire the inlaid abalone shells and curved beak of the bird, representing a treasured family artifact.
9. Áakiiwilaxpaake (People of the Earth), 2022: Wendy Red Star's multimedia portrait powerfully reinserts Native people into the American art canon. Discover the Seattle-area Indigenous women and children posed against the city skyline, highlighting their presence and contributions.
10. Lkaayaak Yeil S’aaxw or Box of Daylight Raven Hat, ca. 1850: Uncover the iconic Tlingit hat that depicts the mythological story of Raven and the box of daylight. Admire the intricate inlay of mirror and abalone shell, accentuated by vibrant red paint.
