Cultural Expressions

A native dress with blue quillwork on the chest and upper back portion that expands into the arms. Depicted in the blue section are native americans in headdresses riding horses, American flags, and other symbols

Native Americans have expressed their beliefs, ideas, and identities in different ways – by creating beautiful textiles and exquisite quillwork, designing baskets and pottery, performing dances and ceremonies, and decorating their bodies with paint, jewelry, and tattoos. You will see that the practices, traditions, and beliefs of North Dakota’s native peoples have endured. 

View the exquisite artifacts reflecting cultural traditions:

  • A Dakota Ghost Dance dress and shirt
  • A flute
  • Basketry
  • Headdresses
  • Beadwork and quillwork