SAINT LOUIS, MO.- The Saint Louis Art Museum announces the February 27 opening of Plains Indian Artwork from the Donald Danforth Jr. Collection, a second selection from the Danforth Collection.

Distinctive moccasins, cradleboards, clothing, pipe bags, parfleches and objects of adornment and utility represent high artistic achievement and the practical and sacred relationships that exist between Plains people and their environment.

This collection presents a visual account of the traditional lifeways of an extraordinary culture, as well as the finely-honed vision of an astute collector. As a major force in collecting American Indian art, Donald Danforth Jr. focused on Northern and Southern Plains art from 1850–1890, when Native Americans were adapting their former nomadic lifestyles to the confines of reservations. Danforth realized the value of preserving these traditions for future generations and developed a collection of more than 300 objects.

The Museum would like to thank Carolyn Danforth and her family for sharing this legacy. Organized by Matthew H. Robb, assistant curator of ancient American and Native American art, and Jennifer Doyle, associate educator in the Museum's education department, the collection will be on view in Gallery 120 from February 27 through September 7, 2009.