A magnificent collection of fourteen mid nineteenth century, southern New England baskets: This collection includes many stamped and painted ash splint baskets from Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Vermont. Several of the baskets were lined with old newspapers, including one that dates to 1847. This is a tremendous addition to the Museum’s important collection of New England baskets, one of the largest in the area.

A complete Chippewa mans beaded regalia:  Made for the World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893 where it received a prize, this outfit, consisting of vest, leggings and apron, is in near perfect condition having  been worn only a couple of times.

A late eighteenth or early nineteenth century Great Lakes cradleboard: It is the earliest cradleboard of this style in the collection.

A twined shoulder bag, made by Wampanoag elder Aniti Nielson in the 1990s:  This is an example of a contemporary revival of a centuries old traditional art form in southern New England.

A mid nineteenth century Lenape ( Delaware) style beaded needle case:  This rare item is done in the unique and vibrant Prairie style and was used to hold a woman’s pins and sewing needles.

Two rare Winebago style mens’ dance shirts, circa 1880-1920: These are wonderful examples of Eastern Woodland regalia of the period, illustrating the continuation of bead and ribbon work techniques.

A late nineteenth century Cree beaded belt and matching knife sheath: Fully beaded in a realistic floral style, these are an unusual set.

A contemporary porcupine quilled birch bark box made by Ojibwa artist Steven Pangowish: This elaborate and detailed box is a masterpiece of porcupine quillwork on birch bark. Each quill was carefully selected for color and size before being inserted into the bark to create the naturalistic portrait of a deer.