Ever walk into a room and instantly feel that homey vibe?  Well, a few days ago I went to the Missouri History Museum.  Several exhibitions were on display and I briefly visited most of them, but I couldn't stop myself from lingering in "Splendid Heritage:  Perspectives on American Indian Art." 

"Splendid Heritage" is an exhibit filled with elaborate, elegant pieces from American Indian culture.  Everything is amazingly detailed.  Just looking at these pieces, I could almost feel the love and care put in to each one.  Then by reading the captions below each piece, what I had felt was confirmed.  Most everything displayed took hard work and patience to create, such as the hand carved clubs and knives men made to protect their families, the authentic clothing women made from deer, elk or antelope hides, and the beautiful cradles designed to celebrate newborns in the tribe.    

I really enjoyed viewing the collection of dolls that American Indian mothers and grandmothers made as "reflections of their love for their daughters or granddaughters."  Each doll, some with complex beadwork, some with a rainbow of colors, but all with "authentic tribal style clothing," clearly took a while to craft. 

"Splendid Heritage," an inspiring exhibition, is at the Missouri History Museum until April 24^th.  Ticket information as well as hours of operation for the exhibit can be found on the Missouri History Museum website.  

The above photo:  Doll, ca. 1800, Subarctic, Swampy Cree, wool cloth, cotton cloth, glass seed beads, tanned hide, wool yarn, wood, sinew, thread, human hair.