That world was North America in the 17th century, when Native American cultural groups were spread from coast to coast. A "language" evolved that relied on symbols, colors, materials and designs to communicate information. That language is indecipherable to many - but a visit to a traveling exhibition at the Eiteljorg Museum could enlighten you. Splendid Heritage: Masterpieces of Native American Art from the Masco Collection is an exhibition of true art treasures, drawn from one of the most impressive collections of Native American material in private hands today.

The exhibition opens at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis on Oct. 24. The 42 objects are spectacularly preserved. But the major draw of the exhibition may be the opportunity to learn about the objects, rather than simply to view them. Ray Gonyea, the museum's curator of Native American art and culture and himself a Native American (Onondaga), wrote explanatory labels for each piece that go beyond the usual name, artist and date labels.
"When visitors leave this exhibition, we want them to be able to tell the difference between items that come from Plains and those that come from Woodland peoples," Gonyea said.