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Explore stories in Northwest history through highlights from MOHAI’s collections. Search by keyword below or browse the entire online collection by entering the asterisk symbol (*). Filter your search by type of materials.

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130 results for: Indigenous Peoples

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Image of Puget Sound clam basket

Puget Sound clam basket

The Coast Salish people of the Pacific Northwest designed baskets like this for gathering clams. When a clam is put into the basket, the basket structure holds the clam, but the open structure allows water and sand to fall out. This particular basket has been damaged over time and is not fully intact.
ID Number:1952.237.M.1
Date:19th Century
Image of Watercolor painting of Indigenous woman in a shelter on the beach, ca. 1870-1915

Watercolor painting of Indigenous woman in a shelter on the beach, ca. 1870-1915

Born in Indiana, Harriet Foster Beecher (1853-1918) traveled to the West Coast to attend the San Francisco School of Design. She moved to Seattle in 1880 and married Captain Herbert Foote Beecher. In 1881, Beecher opened what is thought to be Seattle’s first art studio. She painted Indigenous life in oils and watercolors, portraits of Seattle pioneers, and landscapes. Beecher…
ID Number:1953.303.9
Date:Circa 1870-1915
Image of Watercolor painting by Harriet Foster Beecher of Indigenous woman loading a canoe, 1900

Watercolor painting by Harriet Foster Beecher of Indigenous woman loading a canoe, 1900

Born in Indiana, Harriet Foster Beecher (1853-1918) traveled to the West Coast to attend the San Francisco School of Design. She moved to Seattle in 1880 and married Captain Herbert Foote Beecher. In 1881, Beecher opened what is thought to be Seattle’s first art studio. She painted Indigenous life in oils and watercolors, portraits of Seattle pioneers, and landscapes. Beecher…
ID Number:1953.303.10
Date:1900
Image of Watercolor painting of a beach scene with Native American canoe by Harriet Foster Beecher, ca. 1870-1915

Watercolor painting of a beach scene with Native American canoe by Harriet Foster Beecher, ca. 1870-1915

Born in Indiana, Harriet Foster Beecher (1853-1918) traveled to the West Coast to attend the San Francisco School of Design. She moved to Seattle in 1880 and married Captain Herbert Foote Beecher. In 1881, Beecher opened what is thought to be Seattle’s first art studio. She painted Indigenous life in oils and watercolors, portraits of Seattle pioneers, and landscapes. Beecher…
ID Number:1953.303.15
Date:Circa 1870-1915
Image of Cane made by Haida tribe, ca. 1880

Cane made by Haida tribe, ca. 1880

This cane was carved by a member of the Haida tribe and given to Puget Sound settler, Dr. J. C. Gosnell as a "Friendship Cane."
ID Number:1953.653
Date:Circa 1880
Image of Child's embroidered chamois slippers, ca.1890-1930

Child's embroidered chamois slippers, ca.1890-1930

Records indicate that the donor of these baby shoes once worked as a housekeeper at the Pine Ridge Agency, an Indian Bureau School Service in South Dakota around 1896. She may have acquired these booties while working there.
ID Number:1953.673.M
Date:Circa 1890-1930
Image of Portrait of Louisa Boren Denny

Portrait of Louisa Boren Denny "The Sweet Briar Bride," 1894

Louisa Boren Denny (1827-1916) left her safe Illinois home to travel across the country in a covered wagon, arriving with the Denny Party at Alki Point on November 13, 1851. She was Seattle's first bride, marrying David Denny. She was a friend of the Indigenous peoples in the area and a champion of women's suffrage. She lived to see Seattle…
ID Number:1954.541.b
Date:1894
Image of Portrait of Kikisoblu (Princess Angeline) at home, 1892

Portrait of Kikisoblu (Princess Angeline) at home, 1892

Watercolor painting by artist C.C. Maring of Kikisoblu (Princess Angeline), daughter of Chief Si'ahl (Chief Seattle), sitting in front of her house at the foot of Pike Street. She lived and worked in Seattle until her death in 1896. Cassius Clay (C.C.) Maring (1863-1905) was a local artist, illustrator, and engraver. The drawing of Washington's portrait for the state seal…
ID Number:1954.686
Date:1892
Image of Cobalt blue bead necklace, ca. 1865

Cobalt blue bead necklace, ca. 1865

Strings of beads and dentalium were often used for trade or sale between the Native community and the early European settlers.
ID Number:1954.765.695
Date:Circa 1865
Image of Coast Salish basket, ca. 1900

Coast Salish basket, ca. 1900

This Coast Salish basket was donated by Mrs. Rollin Sanford, born Kate McGraw (1876-1971). She was the daughter of Washington governor, John Harte McGraw, who was in office from 1893-1897.
ID Number:1955.869.1
Date:Circa 1900
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Land Acknowledgement

MOHAI stands on the historic and contemporary lands and shores of the Duwamish, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and other Coast Salish Nations. We acknowledge the forced displacement of Native Communities from this land while honoring the endurance of the Duwamish people who still live here.
Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle WA, 98109
Phone: 206 324 1126
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