New Collections At IAIS: Minerals Of Pomperaug Valley

WASHINGTON — The Institute for American Indian Studies has opened a new exhibition in addition to keeping three shows already on view intact.

“Minerals of the Pomperaug River Valley,” featuring examples from the collection of William J. Barrett, is the new exhibition. Mr Barrett has studied the geology and mineral deposits of the Pomperaug quarries for two decades.

Most people living in Connecticut are familiar with basalt, the humble, dark gray rock common along our woodland trails. What many people do not know, however, is that hidden within basalt are minerals. Those who know want to look for can uncover the hidden world of crystals like apophyllite, prehnite, sphalerite, smoky quartz, and even amethyst. Native Americans used the crystals for charms and in ceremonies. Some have even been found in Native graves.

“The Hopkins Archaeological Site,” one of the already-running exhibits, offers artifacts recovered from one of the first prehistoric sites documented in Litchfield County. The artifacts indicate this was a seasonal camp dating back to the Paleo-Indian period, 10,000-7,000 BC.

“Southwestern Indian Pottery” features pottery spanning more than 1,000 years of Southwestern pottery development, focusing on the Tewa and Keresan speaking peoples of the Pueblo communities of present New Mexico and Arizona.

On view is pottery by Maria Montoya Martinez (1888-1980), San Ildefonso Pueblo, and Lucy Lewis (circa 1900-1992), Acoma Pueblo.

Finally, “Bear Dancers” offers a collection of Native American inspired watercolor originals and prints by the Connecticut artist and New York City native Joan La Rocca, who has been involved with the Abstract Expressionist movement since the early 1960s.

All shows are on view until June 30.

Regular museum hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from noon until 5 pm. The museum, at 38 Curtis Road, can be reached by calling 860-868-0518.