Cultural Fusion: Ten Objects from America's Expanding Borderlands
Dennis Carr, Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Garden
Attributed to John Neis (American 1775–1867); Plate, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, 1834; Earthenware; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Willem Janszoon Blaeu (Dutch, 1571–1638), Nova Belgica et Anglia Nova, Amsterdam, 1635; Hand-colored copper plate engraving; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, John Wheelock Elliot and John Morse Elliot Fund
Processional cross (cruz guión); Probably Mexico, 1721; Silver; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Gift of in memory of Mr. and Mrs. William Keith
Wearing blanket; Diné (Navajo), First Phase, 1840–60; Wool weft-faced plain weave; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Gift of Denman Waldo Ross
The history of the United States has been defined by a series of cultural encounters along a constantly shifting, ever-expanding border. From the earliest European settlement in the 16th and 17th centuries to the westward expansion movements of the 19th century, America was shaped by these places where cultures came together; a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual society grew out of the ravages of conquest.
This lecture will explore a brief history of Colonial and 19th century America through ten fascinating objects that tell the story of life and artistic production along the border. From objects of Native American culture, to extraordinary trade goods, to furniture made by culturally diverse settlers in the hinterlands of America, Mr. Carr will show that more than being a simple political boundary, the borderlands of the Americas were a liminal zone of contact, creativity, and exchange.
