The Smoki Museum of American Indian Art and Culture – Prescott, Arizona

The Smoki Museum of American Indian Art and Culture – Prescott, Arizona (Native American Art and Culture)

The museum was built in 1935 to resemble an Indian pueblo.  Made of native stone and wood it was constructed by the Civilian Works Administration and the Smoki People.

The museum houses irreplaceable collections of prehistoric and contemporary pottery, prehistoric jewelry and stone artifacts.  It also displays an outstanding collection of Southwest basketry and kachinas.  Among the Museum’s many valued collections are artist Kate Cory’s numerous photographs, paintings and documents.

The ethnographic collections include clothing, ornaments and ceremonial paraphernalia from the Sioux, Apache and Woodlands Indians.  Barry Goldwater, the well known and respected Senator from Arizona, donated a number of items.  He was a member of the Smoki People.

There are baskets on display from the local Yavapai, Apache, Pima, Tohono O’odham and Seri tribes and various California tribes.  Examples of weapons on display include Apache bow and arrow sets, quivers, a Yaqui bow and arrow set and a bow case.  There are more than 100 kachina and numerous original ceramic vessels on display..

This museum is a fabulous opportunity to see into the history of the American Indians.

Phone: 928-445-1230

Location: 147 N Arizona St., Prescott, Arizona 86304

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3. Gila River Indian Community – Phoenix area, Arizona
4. Tohono O’odham – Native American Tribe – Central and Southern Arizona
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