My trip to New York in 2011 had to include a trip to the Museum of the American Indian, and since I shared Savage Beauty from the Met I thought I’d also share this equally fascinating (if not moreso due to my personal connection) permanent exhibition. I’ve always been obsessed with Native Indian culture possibly because I know they were the original people of my mother islands, the Caribbean. Theres a possibility that I have Native ancestry as do a significant number of islanders, so whilst most Native Indians on my land of sunshine were sadly almost completely wiped out, their spirit is mainly being kept alive by their somewhat diluted blood running through the veins of the very mixed up population. I was lucky enough to see Native Indian tribes living in the traditional way as their ancestors did, when I lived in Brazil so I jumped at the opportunity to learn even more about their mysterious culture which is still very much alive in parts of South and North America. Even after visiting the National Museum of the  American Indian in New York, which includes pieces from the the islands, I didn’t find enough information to conclude how their influence can be seen in the modern day Caribbean, though I am now inclined to research further. It was still a stunning collection with artefacts dating back to the 15th century (probably before, it was a while ago). I also couldn’t help but get excited by the clothes and jewelry, but they provoked poignant reflection when thinking of the hardship that led to some of the people who wore them to become almost extinct and also the hardship of the people who replaced them- my main African ancestors. They were beautiful nonetheless as was the entire museum.