ABSTRACT
The tangible creations of Plains Indian people have been much admired for their ingenuity, color, and beauty. Indian houses, clothing, tools, weapons, crafts, arts, made and modified for their survival and comfort have enjoyed a great deal of attention, and often non-Indians become interested in learning about Indian cultures after an initial fascination with Indian material life. Influences in the design of earthenware came onto the Plains mainly from the Woodlands. Plains Indian armor was inspired by the metal and leather plating of the Spanish, but also drew on Native traditions of protecting the body with hide or quilted cotton, practices that were widespread west of the Plains from Canada to Mexico. The most widespread and typical decorative art of the Plains was the adornment of skin clothing and containers with colored quills and beads. Since the reservation era, Plains artists have explored new styles and media to both combine and contrast Indian traditions with the standards of non-Indian art.