Objects of the Boreal Forest

These selections from the Cultural Collections of the MSU Museum are connected to the exhibition Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest / Historias del Bosque Boreal.

Making Art from What the Forest and Land Provide

Indigenous people have long used resources from the forest—bark, plants, bones, roots, animal hides, stone, and soil—to create traditional art. Contemporary artists continue these traditions as they create baskets, carvings, and dolls. Many of these creations capture images and human scenes from the natural world of the boreal forest.

This selection of objects provides a glimpse into the rich cultural collections from this region at the MSU Museum. The collection has been built over time through generous donations as well as by community-engaged work by Museum staff. These collections are used in teaching, research, and educational outreach programs of the MSU Museum. To learn more about accessing these collections contact the MSU Museum Cultural Collection Manager.