Journey Around the World: North America- A Child’s World

Holmes Museum Updated Hours

The Museum is open Fall and Spring semesters, Monday-Friday from 1:00-5:00 or by appointment. During winter break and during the summer, the museum will be open by appointment only. Admission is free but donations are accepted. If you would like to visit or schedule a tour please call 316-978-7068 or email holmes.museum@wichita.edu holmes.museum@wichita.edu.

North America- A Child’s World

In the past, indigenous children of North America were loved and cherished by their parents much like families today. The objects on display offer a glimpse into the world of Native American children.

Woman carrying a baby in a cradleboard

Mother With Infant On Cradle Board

Apache, North America

Circa 1900-1920

Cradle boards were used by many Native American mothers to transport their babies. The construction varied widely from each native group in the materials used, the way the baby was attached to the board, and how they were decorated for ceremonial purposes and were often handed down or given as a gift to new mothers.

1979.02.025 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Small girl wearing a decorated dress while holding porcelain faced doll.

Child Holding Doll In A Cradle Board

Kiowa, North America

Circa 1890's

Children of many cultures have miniature toys representing everyday objects used by their parents. This Native American child is holding a doll in a cradle board. While playing with these everyday objects children would learn important skills or lessons.

1979.02.045 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Translucent parka that has been sewn with black thread. Brown leather and white trim encircle the hood and sleeve cuffs. White skin trim at the bottom and at the shoulders.

Infant Parka

Inuit, Alaska

Seal skin, thread

The parka is made from seal gut and hand sewn with black thread. Brown leather and white seal skin encircle the facial opening and the cuffs of the sleeves.

Transfer from the Ulrich Museum of Art

1994.07.084 Lowell D. Holmes Museum of Anthropology

Teddy bear made of fur that is both sandy and chestnut brown. It has a fur body with eyes made of red felt with black, white, and gray beading.