"We are not left to our own devices in "Totems to Turquoise: Native North American Jewelry Arts of the Northwest and Southwest," the always illuminating, sometimes beautiful, but also excessively orchestrated exhibition opening tomorrow at the American Museum of Natural History. "Look Closely!" an annoying badgelike label exhorts in each of the 40 vitrines that dominate the show. The command singles out a bracelet, bolo tie, squash blossom necklace, amulet or some other small gleaming object for special attention; a block of tiny print explains what we should look for.

The guidance is actually helpful. It takes some encouragement to wade into the graphic and aural clutter that surround the objects on display and anyone looking at them. As an experience, the exhibition combines aspects of a high-end crafts fair, anthropological study, a fine-art show and a walk-in catalog of both the museum and mail-order variety. Each vitrine is peppered with texts and labels, as well as photographs and biographical sketches of the artists whose work is on display."

Get the Story:
Art Review: Indian Art Meets Craft to Inspire and Adorn (The New York Times 10/29)
pwnyt

Relevant Links:
American Museum of Natural History - http://www.amnh.org