2019-12-20 05:16:32
CONNECT WITH NORTHERN PLAINS HERITAGE Attractions and art galleries throughout the Black Hills and Badlands honor the traditions and history of the indigenous people who populate this vast tract of Western South Dakota. The Lakota Nation’s proud people and rich heritage are deeply ingrained throughout western South Dakota. Treasured artifacts blend with modern Native American art in museums and galleries. Cultural celebrations, such as the Annual Black Hills Pow wow, mix rich traditions with contemporary interpretations. SACRED SITES The Black Hills, and much of western South Dakota, are home to a number of sites that many Native Americans consider to be sacred, including Wind Cave, Black Elk Peak, Devils Tower, Bear Butte and the Badlands. NATIVE AMERICAN ART For many visitors, Native American art is a cherished memento commemorating their Black Hills and Badlands travels. Authentic Lakota art is available for purchase at many places throughout the region. Sioux Pottery in Rapid City handcrafts decorative ceramics made by Sioux artists using red clay from the Black Hills. The artists have skillfully adapted Sioux symbols into the unique decorative designs of Sioux Pottery, expressing the spirit and culture of the Lakota people. In Rapid City you can also see the area’s most extensive collection of Plains Indian art, crafts and jewelry at Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries. The two-story, historically restored building in downtown Rapid City houses an arts and crafts gallery, fine art gallery, bookstore and unique crafts supply center. One mile south of Badlands National Park, Native West Trading Company specializes in contemporary and traditional arts and crafts from local Lakota artists. They’re eager to help you add an authentic piece to your collection allowing you to share your knowledge and appreciation of Native American art. The Lakota tribes are known for their intricate quill and beadwork, which, for many, remains an integral part of life. It’s an honored and even competitive art form that continues to be passed through generations. Authentic beaded art is made with the finest handmade and natural materials, based on long-established designs. The items they embellish take on the spirits of their owners and are worn at pow wows and recognition ceremonies. Your purchase encourages this critical aspect of Native heritage and recognizes the Lakota artisans who have perfected the craft. Symbolism unique to the Sioux is weaved throughout Lakota artwork. Human images are often paired with wild animals, stemming from their belief that all of the Great Spirit’s two-legged and four-legged creatures are related. Other pieces may depict mystical experiences, ancestral spirits, or illustrate Wankan Tanka’s omnipotent guidance. Many artists showcase their creative vision by incorporating both traditional and modern influences. Two museums at Crazy Horse Memorial® honor the living heritage of the North American Indians. The Indian Museum of North America® and The Native American Educational and Cultural Center® feature American Indian art and artifacts from tribal Nations across North America. They offer guests the opportunity to be hands-on with “make and take” activities. In the summer, visit with Native American artisans, watch American Indian dancers perform and learn more through the Talking Circle Speaker Series. MUST-SEE STOPS South Dakota’s rich Native culture is celebrated throughout the western part of the state. Located near Pine Ridge, The Heritage Center at Red Cloud Indian School houses an extensive collection of prize-winning paintings and sculptures, as well as historical and contemporary Lakota art, including beadwork and porcupine quillwork. The center is open year-round. Admission is free to take in the impressive works. Visit the on-site gift shop and browse the astounding variety of authentic Native American art. The store buys directly from local artisans and consciously works to support their craft. Tour the historic campus where Chief Red Cloud is laid to rest with Lakota Culture and Art Tours at Red Cloud Indian School. Each summer, the center hosts the world-renowned Red Cloud Indian Art Show. Running over 50 years, it is the largest and longest running Native American art show of its kind in the country. It’s one of only a few held on an Indigenous reservation. The show attracts thousands of visitors to view impressive works of art by seasoned Native American professionals alongside young artists just beginning their careers. The show runs from June 6 to Aug. 9, 2020, showcasing more than 150 pieces in a variety of categories. All artwork in the show is available for purchase. Gain a deeper understanding of the Lakota way of life at the Oglala Lakota College Historical Center. Located on the Oglala Lakota College campus, visitors can view historical photographs and artwork, accompanied by an audio recording that depicts the tumultuous history of the Oglala Lakota from the early 1800s through the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890. The White River Visitor Center is located about 20 miles south of the town of Scenic in the south unit of Badlands National Park, where SD Hwy 2 intersects with SD Hwy 27. The Center is open during the summer months, featuring fossils, a video program, and Lakota exhibits and artifacts to learn more about Sioux culture. To learn more about Lakota culture and events, visit blackhillsbadlands.com/lakota.
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Native Roots
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