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Rare Native American Cultural and Linguistic Pictorial Map
This colorful pictorial map is an engaging and educational artifact designed to represent the geographic distribution of Indigenous tribes across North America, categorized by cultural and linguistic groups, along with notable ceremonial practices and pre-historic ruins.
- Geographic Overview: The map divides the United States into cultural regions such as the "Plains Tribes," "Northwestern Tribes," "Southwestern Tribes," "Southeastern Woodland Tribes," and others. These regions are highlighted with illustrations of traditional structures, such as tipis in the Plains or pueblo dwellings in the Southwest, reflecting the distinct lifestyles of Indigenous groups.
- Language Groups: The map includes a legend denoting language families with corresponding numbers (e.g., Algonkin, Iroquois, Uto-Aztecan). Each area is marked with these numbers to indicate where these languages were traditionally spoken.
- Ceremonial Dances: A section lists ceremonial dances, such as the Comanche dance, Hopi snake dance, and Zuni whipping ceremony, visually accompanied by illustrations of dancers in traditional regalia.
- Prehistoric Sites: The map details archaeological sites and ruins, such as Mesa Verde, Cahokia Mounds, and Chaco Canyon, with a dedicated legend. These symbols highlight key locations of ancient Indigenous architecture and settlements.
The visual elements on the map include dynamic, lively drawings of Indigenous peoples engaged in traditional activities, dances, and daily life. The border design incorporates patterns inspired by Southwestern Indigenous art, described as reflecting "this area's language of expression."
Accompanying text provides an overview of Indigenous contributions, stating that "the American Indian is the cornerstone of our heritage." It mentions the migration of early peoples across the Bering Strait and the diversity of tribes at the time of European contact. Additional notes emphasize Indigenous contributions to agriculture, such as corn and tobacco.
Rarity
The map is very rare.
OCLC locates examples at the University of Illinois, University of Utah and University of British Columbia.
This is the first time we have seen the map offered for sale.
