Gallery Opening of Bodéwadmi Wisgat Gokpenagen, The Black Ash Baskets of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians

September 13 - December 15, 2019.

Exhibit Opening Friday, September 13, 2019

4 PM

LeFevre Art Gallery, LeFevre Hall

The Ohio State University at Newark

Newark, OH 43055

Join us for the opening of a visual journey

through the history of the Potawatomi people and their art of black ash basket making!

This event is free and open to the public.

Potawatomi basket making is a reclamation and recovery of a powerful piece of native knowledge and technology and represents a potent counter-colonial and counter-hegemonic act with lasting implications. This exhibit reflects an understanding that objects are not lifeless things that occupy space. They have spirit and meaning. Centered upon intellectual and material property, basket weaving is an opportunity for Native women and men to make their own histories by using the past to ‘read’ the present.

According to exhibit curator John N. Low, PhD, Potawatomi basket making is a reclamation and recovery of a piece of native knowledge and technology, and it represents a potent counter-colonial and counter-hegemonic act with lasting implications. Low is Director of the Newark Earthworks Center, an associate professor of Comparative Studies at Ohio State Newark, and an enrolled citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.

“This exhibit reflects an understanding that objects are not lifeless things that occupy space. They have spirit and meaning,” he said. “Centered upon intellectual and material property, basket weaving is an opportunity for native women and men to make their own histories by using the past to ‘read’ the present.”

“This is an opportunity to learn about and enjoy the artistry of American Indian peoples of the Midwest. The exhibit explores the ways in which objects like baskets communicate to those who take the time to ‘listen’,” said Low. “See the iconic black ash basketry of the Potawatomi Indians, and join in the celebration of the revival of this art.”

Sponsored by grants from The Ohio State University Global Arts & Humanities/ Indigenous Arts & Humanities Initiative, American Indian Studies, the Milliken Fund at The Ohio State University at Newark, 

 and the Newark Earthworks Center.

For more information,
Visit:

• Pokagon Band of Potawatomi
• Art
• Wiwkwébthëgen | Preserving material of historical and cultural value for Pokégenek Bodéwadmik
• "an open digital platform that seeks to share information and teachings about our Potawatomi culture. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians are a federally-recognized tribal nation with homelands in the states of Michigan and Indiana. We are a part of the greater Potawatomi Nation, whose Bands are spread throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. We are the Keeper's of the Fire: Bodwéwadmi. "
• Note: Most content is not accessible to the public. Pokagon citizens may request an account to view all content on the site.
• LeFevre Art Gallery
• Exhibit Opening: The Black Ash Baskets of the Potawatomi
• August 28, 2019.
• Pokagon Potawatomi Basket Making--Recollecting Nationhood (2016)
• Dr. John Low, Alexander Street | ProQuest.
• "Women's Leadership through the Women's Basket Cooperative in Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, 1983-2000", edited by John N. Low
• Alexander Street | ProQuest
• Northeast Indigenous Climate Resilience Network
• Emerald Ash Borer Impacts on American Indian Communities (PDF).