BLACK HILLS & BADLANDS REGION Experience Lakota Culture NATIVE ROOTS 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 populated 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 Black Hills Powwow, mix rich traditions with contemporary interpretations. fin st handmade and natural materials, based on long-established designs. The items they embellish take on the spirits of their owners and are still worn at powwows and recognition ceremonies. Your purchase encourages this critical aspect of Native heritage and recognizes the Lakota artisans who have perfected the craft. Other authentic Native American items have undergone a modern revival and seen increased popularity, including traditional and silver jewelry, moccasins, Native American antiquities, buffalo robes and skulls, pottery, recorded music, books, paintings and sculptures. Symbolism unique to the Sioux is weaved throughout Lakota artwork. You may notice that human images are often paired with wild animals. This stems from their belief that all of the Great Spirit’s two-legged and four-legged creatures are related. Others 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 influen es. 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, from Wind Cave and Bear Butte to the Badlands. NATIVE AMERICAN ART For many, Native American art is a cherished memento commemorating their Black Hills and Badlands travels. Purchase authentic Lakota art at many places throughout the region. The Lakota tribes are known for their intricate quill and beadwork, which remains an integral part of life on reservations. It’s an honored and even competitive art form that continues to be passed through generations. Authentic beaded art is made with the 122 // #DiscoverBlackHills Native Roots Continued on page 124
South Dakota Vacation Guide South Dakota Vacation Guide 2019: Page 122
