Date: Tue 03-Mar-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: JUDIR

Quick Words:

Bruce

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Art In Motion

GREENWICH, CONN. -- The Bruce Museum of Arts and Sciences will present "Art in

Motion: Native American Beadwork" through May 24.

The museum has assembled more than 80 beaded objects from its collection,

those of selected museums and private assemblages, featuring designs made to

move on objects created for a mobile society. The techniques of beading,

weaving, embroidery and applique and quillwork as well as the function of

beadwork in clothing, containers, children's and contemporary items will be

explored.

The objects date from approximately 1800 to the present day and give a

comprehensive overview of American Indian beadwork. At least 8,000 years

before Europeans crossed the Atlantic, Indians were making, wearing, and

trading beads of shell, pearl, bone, teeth, stone, and fossil plant stems.

Imported glass beads were introduced to North America by Christopher Columbus

in 1492 and gradually replaced the indigenous materials.

"Art in Motion: Native American Beadwork" examines how, through the artistry

of beadwork, native peoples not only continue traditional ways but create new

ones, integrating their past into highly original contemporary work.

Although each piece demonstrates a spiritual and utilitarian quality, a

connection with nature and a clear sense of purpose, it is the mobile quality

that sets Native American beadwork apart. The migrating tribes had to create

an art that was easily transportable. Objects were constantly on the move,

made to be worn or taken from place to place. In addition, the pieces

themselves had parts that moved. Attachments such as tin cones, bells and

pieces of fur enhanced the sights and sounds in motion.

The exhibit includes examples of dress and ceremonial clothing. Objects on

view will be moccasins, leggings, dresses, a man's war shirt, an eagle

headdress, vests, arm and headbands, neckties, gauntlets, and a baby bonnet.

Another part of the exhibition will feature containers and include such

objects as pipe bags, bandolier bags, saddle bags, and a variety of small

pouches. Many examples of beaded cradle boards and dolls, and contemporary

pieces, among them a dance shield, a medicine bag, and beaded sneakers, will

be shown.

Beaded pieces are documents of the past and for the future. They capture the

present, preserve memories, and project a sharper image than any photograph,

documentary film or painting. Beaded objects, such as those in "Art in Motion:

Native American Beadwork," record both a tribe's traditions and an

individual's expression.

The museum is at 1 Museum Drive and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 am

to 5 pm, Sundays, 1 to 5 pm. For information, 203/869-0376.