Exhibit | New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

Birds

Spiritual Messengers of the Skies

On display through Jun 05, 2022 at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture

Birds are essential in keeping down insect populations, pollinating plants, and dispersing and recycling nutrients back into the earth, but beyond their practical contributions, birds are also inspirational creatures that encourage and feed our spirits,” said Diana Sherman, collections manager, and exhibit curator. “This exhibit celebrates the greatness of birds in our world and their important role in Native American culture. Representations of birds are abundant on pottery and in rock art, speaking to the important role they played in the past and today.” 

The exhibition looks at the roles our flying companions play by exploring the use of birds in daily life and their representation on pottery and in rock art. Whether through paintings on vessels or vessels shaped in the form of birds, there is no doubt that these creatures have been admired for ages. Giving lifesaving feathers, sometimes serving as a food source, and serving in the spiritual realm, birds have played a crucial role in the celebration and preservation of life.

Also on exhibit at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture


New Mexico CulturePass

Your ticket to New Mexico's exceptional Museums and Historic Sites.
From Indian treasures to space exploration, world-class folk art to awesome dinosaurs—our museums and monuments celebrate the essence of New Mexico every day.
More Info »

The wallet size version of the CulturePass showing the $30 price
An animated image of a cell phone showing various topics presented in the Encounter Culture podcast

Encounter Culture

Take a look inside the museums and historic sites of New Mexico without leaving home. Join host Charlotte Jusinski, and a variety of guest curators, artists, and exhibitors in exploring the art and culture of the state in Encounter Culture, a new podcast from the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.

Logo and Link to Google Podcasts Logo and Link to Apple Podcasts Logo and Link to Spotify Podcasts

Featured DCA Exhibitions

A photo featuring items representing the Miguel Trujillo and the Pursuit of Native Voting Rights exhibition

Miguel Trujillo and the Pursuit of Native Voting Rights

The New Mexico History Museum is proud to present “Miguel Trujillo and the Pursuit of Native Voting
more »

A photo featuring items representing the The Santos of New Mexico exhibition

The Santos of New Mexico

As part of our Highlights from the Collection: The Larry and Alyce Frank Collection of Santos (saints), in the Palace
more »

A photo featuring items representing the Shadow and Light  exhibition

Shadow and Light

Shadow and Light, the inaugural exhibition at the Vladem Contemporary plays upon the famed New Mexico light which is
more »

A photo featuring items representing the Michael Naranjo Touching Beauty Exhibit exhibition

Michael Naranjo Touching Beauty Exhibit

On display in the Bataan Building Atrium Gallery: Touching Beauty Now, sculpture by Santa Clara Pueblo’s Michael
more »