Anishinaabe porcupine quill art exhibition opens at Indiana’s Eiteljorg Museum
The first major traveling exhibition dedicated to Anishinaabe porcupine quill art is now on view at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis, offering an unprecedented look at one of the Great Lakes region’s most intricate and enduring Indigenous art forms.
Titled “Gaawii Eta-Go Aawizinoo Gaawiye Mkakoons / It’s Not Just a Quill Box ,” the exhibition originated at the Ziibiwing Center for Anishinaabe Culture and Lifeways in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and brings together more than 90 artworks drawn from public and private collections. Highlights include significant pieces from the Michigan State University Museum’s extensive holdings and archives.
The exhibit is presented in both Anishinabemowin and English and celebrates the creativity, skill, and cultural continuity of contemporary Anishinaabe artists from Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Manitoulin Island, Canada. The exhibit simultaneously honors elders and ancestors who have passed down the art form, emphasizing the enduring relationships between teachers and learners, deep connections to natural resources, and the resilience of Indigenous traditions in the modern era.
“Quillwork is more than just a beautiful art form—it’s a reflection of our identity, our teachings, and our deep relationship with the land,” said Minnie Wabanimkee, tribal elder and photographer, in a press release from MSU. “Every piece carries the voice of our ancestors and the care of those who continue this practice today. It’s powerful to see our traditions honored in this way.”
“This remarkable exhibition features pieces by today’s quillwork artists or those within living memory, along with stories of their Ancestors whose knowledge has been passed down through generations,” adds Monica Jo Raphael (Anishinaabe / Sičáŋğu Lakota), who is Hoback curator of Great Lakes Native art, cultures and community engagement at the Eiteljorg, and worked to bring the exhibition to the museum. “Our visitors have an extraordinary opportunity to learn about the cultural importance of porcupine quill art to the Anishinabek peoples and be inspired by the creativity of each artist.”
Beyond the artworks themselves, visitors can explore videos and photographs documenting the harvesting of materials and the quill art–making process. Interactive panels, hands-on activities, and a recreation of a master artist’s workstation provide deeper insight into the knowledge, patience, and skill required to sustain the tradition.
The exhibition will remain on view at the Eiteljorg from December 13, 2025 – March 29, 2026. For more information, including tickets, click here.
