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The Art of Persistence
Exploring Symbols, Materials, and Function in Southwestern Indigenous Art
These Southwestern Indigenous objects have lived dynamic lives in personal and social settings of Native communities, were bought and sold in tourism markets, and now reside in contemporary museum institutions. Viewers will notice that not every object names a maker. These artists are not “Unknown,” but “Once Known.” While their names are lost to time, they still represent the persistence of culture and customs within Southwestern Indigenous communities throughout history. This exhibition explores the Southwest, an area that encompasses the Four Corners region, Northern Mexico, and West Texas, and includes works made by Tohono O’odham, Diné (Navajo), Pueblo, Hopi/Tewa, Apache, Maricopa (Piipaash), and Mata Ortiz artists. It is essential to consider the symbolism, material, process, and function of these objects to understand each artwork’s complete meaning. By demonstrating the legacy of Native culture and artists through historical and modern artworks, engagements with various themes underscores the respect and connections towards community, ancestry, and nature. As you explore the different sections of this exhibition, we encourage you to investigate the continuities and changes of art practices across Southwestern Indigenous communities.
Central Thematic Object:
Rupert Angea (b. 1954/55), Tohono O’odham, Rain Dance, ceramic, 7 in. tall, 4.75 in. mouth diameter, 21 in. circumference, Museum of Fine Arts Collection, Florida State University.
Click on the image of Rain Dance to the left for additional photos and descriptions.
Symbols and Motifs
From geometric clouds and abstracted birds to whirling logs, symbols and their associated meanings have been passed down as part of generational knowledge. Southwest Indigenous art underscores the complexity, variety, and importance of symbols as vehicles for the transmittance of meaning within Native communities.
Materials and Process
The following pots, textiles, and drum showcase the exhibition's exploration of the materiality and artistic creation processes unique to these objects. The processes that these artists engage with and learn are deeply spiritual and are passed down through generations across communities that reflect the styles of specific tribes, clans, or families.
Functionality and Use
How can the function of an object contextualize its meaning? Objects tell narratives, perform in ceremonies, and mark periods of change within Indigenous art due to intrinsic or extrinsic demands. Focusing on an object’s function through the lens of its life outside of its visual appearance can further highlight the thoughtful craftsmanship of Indigenous artists.
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