“The Buffalo teach us how to relate to place. They teach us how to relate to other beings. They teach us how to relate to ourselves. They teach us these valuable lessons that ground us and our experience in this world, about who we are and how to have strength and belief and love for ourselves and this life.”—Elsie Dubray (Two Kettle Lakota, Mandan, and Hidatsa)Since time immemorial, bison have provided food, clothing, and shelter for Indigenous peoples, and have played an important role in the ceremonial traditions of many tribes. For the Lakota people, the Pté Oyate, or Buffalo Nation, are deeply revered relatives. In the late 1800s, bison grew scarce as herds were hunted nearly to extinction in a campaign to subdue the Plains tribes. Today, Native communities across the Great Plains are sharing traditional knowledge to support the return of the Buffalo to the lands they once freely roamed. This fluffy little toy tȟatȟáŋka (Lakota for buffalo) was once used to teach Lakota children about their close ties to the Pté Oyate. Miniatures like this one reveal stories about childhood, creativity, and innovation, as well as the ways Indigenous communities have used miniatures to preserve traditional knowledge and support economic development. Want to see (and squee!) in person? Save the date for November 21 when our newest exhibition “Mighty Miniatures” opens at our New York City location (One Bowling Green)! Ranging from North, Central, and South America and Hawai‘i, the exhibition features over 300 works from the museum’s collection of more than 1,300 miniatures. Dolls, pottery, baskets, and more—”Mighty Miniatures” celebrates these artistic marvels in miniature and the Indigenous artists who make them. Learn more with our press release and plan your visit. https://s.si.edu/4kBF81V__Lakota toy bison, ca. 1870. Standing Rock Reservation, South Dakota. Buffalo hide, wood, unknown stuffing, bird claws, leather, metal. 8.3 x 3.7 x 14.6 in. 6/7936
