Masks 1938

Louis Plogsted created this watercolor titled, Masks, in the early twentieth century. But these aren't just any masks; they represent a significant clash between cultures. Plogsted, working for the Smithsonian, meticulously documented cultural objects from various indigenous groups. In this piece, he depicts masks from the Iroquois False Face Society, each with its distinct expression and purpose within rituals. The level of detail suggests an effort to preserve visual information about the masks. However, the very act of documenting these sacred objects raises questions about cultural appropriation and representation. Who gets to tell whose story? Were these masks displayed out of cultural curiosity, or did it serve a more problematic purpose? The Smithsonian's role in shaping public perceptions of indigenous cultures certainly deserves careful scrutiny. As historians, we must examine not only the art itself but also the social and institutional contexts in which it was created and displayed. Museum archives, historical documents, and indigenous voices offer invaluable perspectives for understanding the complex legacy of works like these.