Warriors of the Plains at British Museum

An exhibition about the Warriors of the Plains at British Museum examines the way of life for the Native North American Indians from 1800 to the present day. With a fascinating array of cultural objects, this is another exhibition for 2010 that is not to be missed.

Warriors of the Plains
British Museum is hosting an exhibition that is intent on dispelling many of the myths associated with Native American Indians and explaining their culture and society through first hand evidence. With much of their social life based around the politics of warfare, Warriors of the Plains at British Museum focuses on the warring nature of life in the tribe.

Ceremony and ritual
Much of the life of a Native American Indian was tied up with important ceremonies and the chance to prove oneself in battle. With warfare often on the cards, it was considered important that members of the tribe could not only defend themselves and their kinfolk, but that they would inspire the correct awe and authority in the rest of their people. Objects representative of both these aspects are on show at Warriors of the Plains at British Museum, reminding visitors that life was hard and deadly at the best of times.

Exhibition highlights
Just as tribesmen gained honours through stealing horses, capturing women and taking scalps in battle, they also had to maintain a sense of spirituality which was often manifested through ceremonial rituals with the tribe. Artefacts included in Warriors of the Plains at British Museum such as pipes, rattles, headdresses and painted hides demonstrate their more official, ritualistic side. For the more bloodthirsty however, you will be intrigued to see shields, tomahawks and even scalps on show.

Present day warriors
An unusual aspect of the Warriors of the Plains exhibition is the collection of photos of tribespeople from both the past and the present. Illustrating the context of the weapons and ceremonial artefacts, the pictures demonstrate just how various objects were and still are used in the Native American Indian society. A key part of the British Museum exhibition also reminds visitors just how important these items are in continuing the legcay of these peoples and how they maintain their strong sense of identity.

The exhibition Warriors of the Plains at British Museum takes place from 10am - 5.30pm, and till 8.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays, from Thursday 7th January - Monday 5th April 2010. The exhibition is free to attend.

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