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Days and Nights –
the Native American symbol for time ... This sign aptly represents
the vast history contained within the stone walls of the Smoki Museum. Priceless artifacts give clues about the people who inhabited the Southwest long ago. Exquisitely crafted works of art celebrate the lifeways of the indigenous peoples who carry forward their traditions today.
Today, these priceless treasures - are being protected and preserved for all peoples ... for all time.
Designed to resemble an
Indian pueblo, the Smoki Museum was built in 1935 of native
stone and wood. It was constructed with labor provided by the Civilian Works
Administration and the Smoki People.
The
Smoki People were a group of Prescott citizens organized in 1921 and
dedicated to the perpetuation of American Indian ceremonies and dances. As
late as 1990, the Smoki People held annual
pageants at the Yavapai County Fairgrounds.
NEW! This rare group of community-minded individuals changed the landscape of Prescott and the Southwest. Explore the full history of the Smoki People and the Museum. Discover why the Hopi Indian Tribe marched in protest against the activities of the Smoki People. Passion, community, controversy and the crossroads of culture in 20th Century west weave through this uniquely Prescott story.
The Museum houses irreplaceable
collections of
prehistoric and contemporary pottery, prehistoric jewelry and stone
artifacts. The Smoki
Museum exhibits also
include an outstanding collection of Southwest basketry and kachinas. Among the Museum's many valued collections are
artist Kate Cory's numerous photographs, paintings and documents.
The Smoki Museum
welcomes school groups, civic organizations and travel groups. Our
facilities are available for classes. A comprehensive library of books on American
Indian archaeology and ethnography is available for research. The Museum Trading Post offers
affordable arts and crafts created by Native North and South Americans, as
well as several Southwest publications.
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