‘Red Bear’s Frontier’ At IAIS

WASHINGTON — The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) is presenting “Red Bear’s Frontier,” a collection of finely crafted personal accessories by artist Daniel Bosques, of Taino descent, this month in its Artist’s Corner Gallery.

The items, which include traditional Native American moccasins and accessories, are made with care and are authentic to the Great American Fur Trade of the 16th and 17th Century. Mr Bosques designs and replicates goods that would have served frontiersmen and Native American peoples in both function and fashion.

Many hours of work go into creating the items, made from buffalo, elk, deer and other quality leathers from animals whose honor and memory live on through his creations.

As a living history enthusiast, Mr Bosques prides himself in the research, planning and manufacturing of hand made possibles and shooter’s bags, articles of clothing and other accoutrements that would have been available from local traders and craftsmen of days past. 

“My choice to depict the fur trade …[is] to help history live on,” said the artist. “For what is it worth if life were simply lived with no memory of the ones who made the marks on the stone … drew the maps of the West … discovered and cared for a land so divine?

“It is therefore my duty to remember these truths, so that our past may be a constant in our future,” continued Mr Bosque, who lives with his wife in Ansonia.

The Artist’s Corner is a gallery space set up within the Museum Gift Shop at IAIS, 38 Curtis Road. The collection will remain on view until January 29. There is no charge for this exhibition; a separate fee is charged for full museum admission.

Museum and Gift Shop hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, noon to 5 pm.

A Meet the Artist event is planned for Sunday, January 16, from noon to 4 pm.