Seneca Nation of Indians

The Seneca-Iroquois National Museum has targeted two historic baskets for conservation. One, made for carrying possessions during the relocation from Buffalo Creek to Cattaraugus, represents the hardships faced by Seneca people after the Treaty of Buffalo Creek in 1842. The other, from the 1930s, connects to a sensational murder trial and documents the bigotry and racism in court proceedings and press coverage of the time. Separated in time by nearly 100 years, the baskets are powerful examples of how objects preserve memories and convey cultural heritage to succeeding generations. In addition, both pieces draw attention to the artistry of Seneca basket weaving, once commonplace but now rare, and underscore the importance of preserving such examples of everyday life. The stories of the objects and their conservation will be featured in a small photographic exhibit, a brochure, and on the museum's website.