FEB. 8, 2011 -- Splendid Heritage: Perspectives on American Indian Art, opens at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park on Feb. 12. The exhibition examines American Indian objects as both works of art and cultural artifacts. The exhibition is available for viewing through April 24, 2011.

Featuring more than 140 objects of unique artistry and powerful cultural expression, Splendid Heritage presents a wealth of early Plains, Plateau, and Northeastern American Indian material from the private collection of John and Marva Warnock.

Exhibition visitors will encounter 18th and 19th century American Indian objects of unparalleled beauty and craftsmanship, including beaded tobacco bags, weapons, dolls, cradles, war shirts, dresses, moccasins and more – a majority of which have never been on public view prior to this exhibition's debut at the Utah Museum of Fine Art in February 2009.

Emma Hansen, senior curator of the Plains Indian Museum at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, and Bernadette Brown, retired curator of African, Oceanic and New World Art at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, collaborated to help visitors connect the cultural and fine arts perspectives of the objects featured in the exhibition.

"All of the objects in the exhibition illustrate how items of daily use can be elevated from mere utility to breathtaking examples of artistic skill and vision," said Brown. "Among the many masterworks are a Man's Shirt from ca. 1860, with its exquisite wrapped quill design in iridescent yellow, red and blue; a Cradle made ca. 1860, which demonstrates the artistry of American Indian women; and a Pipe Bag created around 1875 that serves as a superb example of pictographic beadwork."

As co-curator Hansen explained, "In addition to their intrinsic artistry and creativity, such works are powerful and often multi-layered expressions of cultural knowledge, biographical and historical experiences, and a spirituality that guides all aspects of the artists' lives."

Visitors of all ages have the opportunity to learn more about American Indian art though a touch-screen kiosk that offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the collection. Interactive lift panels containing intriguing questions and answers will be placed throughout Splendid Heritage to engage young visitors. Furthermore, the Missouri History Museum has organized a variety of public programs—including lectures, documentaries, and family activities—to help visitors learn more about the Plains, Plateau and Northeastern American Indians.

"Splendid Heritage is an opportunity to expand our knowledge of one another, to explore our differences and to discover what we have in common," said Dr. Robert R. Archibald, president of the Missouri History Museum.

Exhibition admission is $8 for adults; $5 for students, those 65 and older, active duty military, and children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are free. Missouri History Museum members are free for their level of membership. Free admission for St. Louis city and county residents is available on Tuesdays from 2-8 p.m.

The Missouri History Museum is located at Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park. For more information, call 314-746-4599 or visit their website.

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