How to Explore Native Art at Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum stands as one of the oldest and most respected art institutions on the West Coast, with a distinguished collection that reflects the cultural richness of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Among its most significant and deeply meaningful holdings are its Native American and Indigenous artworks—pieces that embody centuries of tradition, spiritual belief, innovation, and resilience. Exploring Native art at the Portland Art Museum is not merely an aesthetic experience; it is an opportunity to engage with living cultures, honor ancestral knowledge, and understand the complex histories that shaped this region. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for visitors seeking to meaningfully explore, understand, and appreciate the Native art collections at the museum. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned art enthusiast, this tutorial will empower you to navigate the museum’s resources with cultural sensitivity, intellectual curiosity, and deep respect.

Step-by-Step Guide

Exploring Native art at the Portland Art Museum requires more than just walking through galleries. It demands intentionality, preparation, and an openness to learning from Indigenous voices. Follow these seven steps to ensure a thoughtful and enriching experience.

Step 1: Research Before You Visit

Before setting foot in the museum, take time to understand the cultural context of the artworks you will encounter. Native art from the Pacific Northwest is not monolithic—it encompasses dozens of distinct nations, including the Chinook, Clackamas, Multnomah, Wasco, Warm Springs, Yakama, Coos, Umpqua, Siuslaw, and many others, each with unique languages, cosmologies, and artistic traditions.

Start by visiting the museum’s official website and navigating to the “Collections” or “Native Art” section. Look for information on the museum’s permanent Native art galleries, which include works from the Northwest Coast, Plateau, and Great Basin regions. Pay attention to the names of artists, tribes, and materials used—such as cedar bark, spruce root, shell, bone, and abalone. Familiarize yourself with terms like “formline design,” “transformation masks,” and “totem poles,” which are central to Northwest Coast artistic expression.

Supplement your research with reputable sources such as the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, tribal websites (e.g., Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation), and academic publications. Understanding the historical context—such as the impact of colonization, forced removals, and the suppression of ceremonial practices—will deepen your appreciation of the resilience embedded in each piece.

Step 2: Plan Your Visit Around Native Art Exhibitions

The Portland Art Museum rotates its exhibitions, so it’s essential to check what is currently on view. Native art may be displayed in dedicated galleries or integrated into thematic shows. For example, recent exhibitions have featured contemporary Indigenous artists reimagining traditional forms, or collaborative projects between tribal elders and museum curators.

Look for exhibitions titled “Native Voices: Contemporary Art from the Northwest,” “Ancestral Threads: Weaving Traditions of the Plateau,” or “Carving Identity: Sculpture from the Coast.” These exhibitions often include interpretive panels, audio recordings from artists, and digital interactives that provide layered perspectives.

Consider scheduling your visit on a day when the museum offers guided tours specifically focused on Native art. These tours are often led by museum educators or, increasingly, by Indigenous guest interpreters who offer firsthand cultural insights. Check the museum’s calendar for “Indigenous Art Walks” or “Cultural Context Tours.”

Step 3: Begin at the Native Art Galleries

Once inside the museum, head directly to the permanent Native art galleries, typically located on the second floor in the Northwest Art wing. These galleries house over 1,000 objects spanning thousands of years, from ancient stone tools to contemporary paintings and digital media.

Start with the Northwest Coast section, where you’ll find intricately carved wooden masks, ceremonial regalia, and bentwood boxes. Observe the precision of formline design—the flowing, continuous lines that define shapes and convey spiritual narratives. These designs are not decorative; they represent clan crests, ancestral beings, and cosmological stories.

Move to the Plateau region, where you’ll encounter finely woven baskets made from willow, cedar root, and redbud. These baskets are not utilitarian alone—they are sacred objects, often used in coming-of-age ceremonies, trade, and food storage. Notice the density of the weave, the subtle color variations from natural dyes, and the geometric patterns that encode tribal identity.

In the Great Basin section, look for beadwork on leather garments, pine nut baskets, and shell ornaments. These objects reflect adaptation to arid environments and the importance of trade networks that stretched from the Pacific to the Great Plains.

Take your time. Don’t rush. Sit on the benches provided. Read the labels carefully. Many objects include not only the artist’s name and tribe but also the story behind the piece—how it was made, who used it, and its spiritual significance.

Step 4: Engage with Interpretive Materials

The museum has invested heavily in decolonizing its interpretive practices. Look for QR codes next to select artworks. Scanning them may lead you to audio recordings of tribal elders explaining the object’s meaning, video interviews with contemporary artists, or digital reconstructions of how a mask was used in a potlatch ceremony.

Don’t overlook the physical interpretive panels. They often include Indigenous terminology alongside English translations. For example, a mask might be labeled “Tł’áaḵw (Spirit Being)” instead of just “Ceremonial Mask.” These small but powerful choices affirm the legitimacy of Native languages and worldviews.

Some exhibits include tactile replicas or augmented reality (AR) experiences that allow you to “try on” a woven hat or see how a totem pole would have appeared in its original forest setting. These tools are designed to deepen empathy and understanding beyond visual observation.

Step 5: Attend a Public Program or Workshop

The Portland Art Museum regularly hosts events that bring Native artists, scholars, and community members into dialogue with the public. These may include:

• Live demonstrations of basket weaving or carving
• Storytelling circles featuring oral histories
• Panel discussions on repatriation and cultural sovereignty
• Art-making workshops led by Indigenous instructors

These programs are often free with museum admission and are listed on the Events calendar. Attending one of these events transforms your visit from passive observation to active participation. You’ll hear directly from the people whose heritage is represented in the collection—voices that have historically been excluded from museum narratives.

When attending, arrive early, turn off your phone, and listen with humility. These are not performances for entertainment—they are acts of cultural preservation and education.

Step 6: Reflect and Journal

After your visit, take time to reflect. Bring a small notebook or use your phone’s notes app to record your thoughts. Ask yourself:

• What surprised me about the art or its context?
• How does this artwork connect to broader themes of identity, land, and resistance?
• What did I not know before, and how can I learn more?

Reflection is a critical part of ethical engagement. It helps you move beyond surface-level appreciation toward deeper cultural understanding. Consider writing a short reflection piece or sharing your insights with a friend or community group. This extends the impact of your visit beyond the museum walls.

Step 7: Support Native Communities

True engagement doesn’t end when you leave the museum. Consider how you can support the communities whose art you’ve encountered:

• Buy art directly from Native artists through trusted platforms like the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation or tribal-run galleries.
• Donate to organizations supporting Indigenous language revitalization, such as the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Language Program.
• Advocate for the inclusion of Native history in local school curricula.
• Amplify Native voices on social media by sharing museum posts, artist profiles, and cultural events.

Supporting Native communities ensures that their art continues to thrive—not as relics of the past, but as living, evolving expressions of identity and sovereignty.

Best Practices

Exploring Native art with integrity requires mindfulness and ethical awareness. These best practices ensure your visit honors the cultures represented and contributes to a more respectful museum environment for all.

Respect Sacred Objects

Some objects in the collection may have spiritual or ceremonial significance. Avoid taking photos of items labeled “sacred” or “restricted.” Even if no signage prohibits photography, err on the side of caution. If in doubt, ask a museum staff member or simply refrain. Photographing sacred items without permission can be deeply disrespectful and may violate cultural protocols.

Use Accurate Terminology

Always refer to specific tribal nations rather than using broad terms like “Indian” or “Native American.” For example, say “Chinookan artist” or “Yakama weaver” instead of “Native artist.” This acknowledges the diversity and sovereignty of Indigenous nations. When in doubt, use the terminology provided by the museum or the community itself.

Listen More Than You Speak

If you attend a public program or interact with Indigenous staff or volunteers, prioritize listening. Avoid asking intrusive questions like “Do you still live in a teepee?” or “How do you feel about your culture being in a museum?” These questions reduce complex identities to stereotypes. Instead, ask open-ended questions like, “Can you tell me about the meaning behind this design?” or “How has your community’s relationship with this artwork changed over time?”

Understand the History of Collection

Many Native objects in museum collections were acquired during periods of colonial expansion, often without consent or fair compensation. The Portland Art Museum has made strides in repatriation and collaboration, but it’s important to recognize that some items were taken under duress. Approach each object with awareness of this history—not with guilt, but with responsibility.

Do Not Touch Artifacts

Even if an object looks inviting or is displayed behind a low barrier, never touch it. Oils from your skin can damage fragile materials like feathers, basketry, and pigments. Always observe from a distance unless explicitly invited to interact.

Support Indigenous-Led Initiatives

When the museum offers opportunities to engage with Indigenous curators, educators, or artists, prioritize those programs. Their perspectives are invaluable and often underrepresented in mainstream museum narratives. Your presence and participation validate their authority as cultural knowledge holders.

Advocate for Inclusive Representation

If you notice gaps in the collection—such as underrepresentation of certain tribes or lack of contemporary Native voices—consider writing a thoughtful letter to the museum’s director or curatorial team. Museums respond to public feedback. Your advocacy can help shape future exhibitions and acquisitions.

Tools and Resources

Maximize your exploration of Native art at the Portland Art Museum with these curated tools and resources, designed to deepen your understanding and enhance your experience.

Official Museum Resources

• Portland Art Museum Collections Online – Visit portlandartmuseum.org/collections to search the full database of Native artworks. Filter by tribe, material, or time period. Many entries include high-resolution images, provenance details, and scholarly commentary.
• Native Art Gallery Guide (PDF) – Download the museum’s free printable or digital guide to the Native galleries. It includes floor maps, key objects to look for, and suggested visit itineraries.
• Audio Tour App – The museum’s mobile app offers a dedicated Native art audio tour narrated by Indigenous scholars and artists. Available for iOS and Android.

External Educational Resources

• Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian – The NMAI’s online collections and educational portals offer comparative context for Northwest Coast and Plateau art. Their “Native Knowledge 360°” initiative includes lesson plans and primary sources ideal for educators and curious visitors.
• Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Cultural Resources – A rich repository of language, history, and art from one of Oregon’s most prominent tribal nations. Their website features videos, oral histories, and traditional design motifs.
• Native Arts and Cultures Foundation – This national nonprofit supports Indigenous artists and provides listings of exhibitions, grants, and residencies. Their blog often features profiles of artists whose work is shown at the Portland Art Museum.
• “Native Art of the Northwest Coast: A History of Changing Ideas” by Charlotte Townsend-Gault – A seminal academic text that traces the evolution of Northwest Coast art from pre-contact to the present. Excellent for deeper study.
• “The Art of the Northwest Coast” by Aldona Jonaitis – A beautifully illustrated volume that explains formline design, symbolism, and regional variations. Ideal for visual learners.

Mobile and Digital Tools

• Google Arts & Culture – Search “Portland Art Museum Native Art” for virtual tours and curated online exhibits featuring high-definition images of masks, baskets, and carvings.
• Art Detective (by Google) – An interactive tool that lets you explore the layers of an artwork—how it was made, what materials were used, and its cultural meaning. Includes several Northwest Coast pieces.
• Indigenous Art Map – A community-driven platform that pinpoints Native artists, galleries, and cultural centers across North America. Use it to find artists featured at the museum and connect with their current work.

Learning for Educators and Families

For teachers and parents, the museum offers downloadable curriculum guides aligned with state educational standards. These include activities such as:

• Designing your own formline pattern using traditional motifs
• Comparing traditional and contemporary Native art expressions
• Writing a story from the perspective of a ceremonial object

These resources are ideal for K–12 classrooms and homeschooling families seeking to integrate Indigenous perspectives into art and social studies lessons.

Real Examples

Concrete examples bring theory to life. Below are three significant Native artworks currently on view or recently exhibited at the Portland Art Museum, each illustrating a different dimension of Indigenous artistic expression.

Example 1: “Transformation Mask of the Raven” – Tlingit, early 20th century

This exquisite wooden mask, carved from cedar and painted with natural pigments, was created by a Tlingit artist from southeastern Alaska. When opened during a ceremony, the mask reveals a second face inside—the face of a human—symbolizing the Raven’s ability to transform between animal and human forms. The mask was used in winter ceremonies to recount the myth of how Raven brought light to the world.

At the Portland Art Museum, the mask is displayed with a video loop showing a Tlingit elder demonstrating how the mask is manipulated with strings during performance. The accompanying label includes the Tlingit name for the Raven, “Kwáan,” and a transcription of the song sung during the ceremony. This multi-sensory presentation transforms the mask from a static artifact into a living vessel of cultural memory.

Example 2: “Woven Cedar Root Basket with Redbud Dye” – Wasco-Wishram, c. 1920

Created by a Wasco-Wishram woman, this basket exemplifies the mastery of coiled basketry techniques passed down through generations. The intricate pattern—featuring diamond shapes and zigzags—is not arbitrary; each design element represents a family lineage or a story of migration along the Columbia River.

What makes this piece particularly significant is the label’s inclusion of the weaver’s granddaughter, who in 2021 returned to the museum to demonstrate the same technique using traditional tools. Her presence, recorded in a short documentary shown nearby, illustrates the continuity of cultural knowledge. The museum now offers quarterly basket-weaving workshops led by her and other Indigenous weavers.

Example 3: “Digital Totem: Ancestral Data” – Marianne Nicolson (Dzawada’enuxw First Nation), 2020

This contemporary artwork blends traditional totem pole imagery with digital projections. Nicolson, a renowned Indigenous artist and activist, projected animated figures of ancestral beings onto a carved wooden frame, using motion sensors to respond to viewer movement. The piece critiques the commodification of Indigenous imagery while asserting the power of digital media as a tool for cultural reclamation.

Displayed in the museum’s modern art wing, this piece challenges visitors to reconsider what “Native art” can be. It’s not confined to the past—it is dynamic, political, and evolving. The museum’s interpretive panel includes Nicolson’s own words: “My ancestors carved stories in wood. I carve them in light.”

These three examples—spanning centuries and mediums—demonstrate the depth, diversity, and vitality of Native artistic traditions. They remind us that Native art is not a relic of history, but a living, breathing continuum.

FAQs

Can I take photos of the Native art exhibits?

Photography is generally permitted in the museum’s permanent galleries, but always check for signs or ask a staff member. Some sacred or ceremonial objects may be marked “No Photography.” Respect these restrictions. Flash photography is prohibited for conservation reasons.

Are there guided tours focused on Native art?

Yes. The museum offers free guided tours of the Native art galleries on weekends and during special events. Some tours are led by Indigenous guest interpreters. Check the Events calendar on the museum’s website for current offerings.

How does the museum ensure respectful representation of Native cultures?

The Portland Art Museum has established formal partnerships with tribal nations, including the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. These collaborations inform exhibition design, label text, and acquisition policies. The museum also has a Native Advisory Council that reviews all content related to Indigenous art.

Are Native artists involved in creating the exhibits?

Increasingly, yes. The museum now prioritizes co-curation with Indigenous artists and knowledge holders. Many recent exhibitions were developed in partnership with tribal communities, ensuring that narratives are told from within the culture rather than imposed from outside.

Can I buy Native art from the museum?

The museum’s gift shop features a curated selection of contemporary Native art, including jewelry, prints, and textiles, all created by enrolled tribal artists. Purchasing from the shop supports Indigenous economies directly. The museum does not sell ancestral or sacred objects.

What if I don’t know much about Native cultures?

No prior knowledge is required. The museum is designed to welcome all visitors. Start with the introductory panels, use the audio guides, and ask questions. Curators and educators are trained to provide accessible, respectful explanations.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible and offers tactile tours, large-print guides, and audio descriptions for visually impaired visitors. ASL interpretation is available upon request for public programs.

Why is it important to learn about Native art in Portland specifically?

Portland sits on the traditional lands of the Multnomah, Clackamas, and other Chinookan peoples. Learning about Native art here connects you to the deep history of this place. It’s not about distant cultures—it’s about the original inhabitants of the land you’re standing on.

Conclusion

Exploring Native art at the Portland Art Museum is more than an art appreciation exercise—it is an act of cultural reciprocity. Each mask, basket, carving, and painting carries the breath of ancestors, the resilience of survivors, and the vision of contemporary creators who refuse to be erased. By approaching these works with curiosity, humility, and respect, you become part of a broader movement to restore dignity to Indigenous narratives that have long been marginalized.

The steps outlined in this guide—preparation, mindful observation, engagement with community voices, and ongoing support—are not just recommendations; they are ethical imperatives. Museums are not neutral spaces. They are sites of memory, power, and transformation. Your presence, your questions, and your willingness to listen can help shift the balance toward justice and truth.

As you leave the museum, carry with you not just images of art, but a deeper understanding of the people who made it. Let their stories inspire you to learn more, speak up, and act in solidarity. Native art is not a display to be admired from afar—it is a living conversation. And you, as a visitor, have the power to make that conversation richer, more inclusive, and more meaningful.