Hidden in storage: The vast archive of Pacific Northwest Coast cultures
In short: While museums showcase iconic masks and blankets, a massive secret library of indigenous history sits in the shadows. Over 13,000 objects from the Pacific Northwest Coast are held in deep storage, preserving centuries of wisdom that were often hidden away by the very systems that collected them.
The American Museum of Natural History houses a staggering volume of artifacts from the Pacific Northwest Coast, with more than 13,000 objects kept in the Division of Anthropology. While highlights like Kwakwka'wakw whale masks and Chilkat blankets are visible to the public, the bulk of this cultural record remains in storage. These items were largely amassed during late 19th and early 20th-century expeditions, most notably the Jesup North Pacific Expedition led by Franz Boas between 1897 and 1902, which gathered over 4,000 objects.
The history of these collections is complex. Many artifacts were documented during a period when indigenous voices were being systematically marginalized or 'hidden away' by newcomers. For example, records from the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893 capture Kwakiutl Indians, while other archives contain Indian Agent reports and treaties negotiated as early as 1855. These materials reflect a tension between preservation and the historical reality of dispossession, sometimes including documents that carry negative stereotypes of their era.
Today, the focus is shifting toward accessibility and reclamation. Scholars and curators aim to bridge the gap between 'hidden' knowledge and living reality. This involves navigating over 2,300 original photographs and thousands of pages of government reports to provide a nuanced view of tribes like the Tlingit, Makah, and Nez Perce. The goal is to ensure that the cumulative wisdom of these cultures—which flourished for 500 generations—is no longer just a museum secret but an accessible resource for understanding human achievement and resilience.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Inside the Collections: Pacific Northwest Coast Peoples
- Also: ::: American Indians of the Pacific Northwest Collection :::
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