Indian Arts and Crafts Board Documents Collection
Discovering Photographic Records of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board at the National Archives
The National Archives holds a wealth of digitized photographic records related to the Indian Arts and Crafts Board (IACB), showcasing visual documentation of Native American arts and crafts exhibitions, promotional materials, and activity records. However, a dedicated digital photographic collection for the IACB is not directly specified in the National Archives' search results.
To locate these elusive photographic records, one should search the National Archives' catalog or digital portal using keywords such as "Indian Arts and Crafts Board," "Native American arts," and "crafts photography." The search may also yield results under broader categories like Native American cultural heritage or federal agency records.
Some examples of series with IACB photographic materials include "Photographic Prints of Indian Life, Cultural Events, and Arts and Crafts, 1963-1981," "Photographs of Arts and Crafts in the Alaska State Museum and the Alaska Historical Museum, ca. 1960-ca. 1960," and "Textual Materials and Photographs of Indian Arts and Crafts Sponsored Exhibitions and Events."
It's important to note that most IACB records are not yet digitized and are housed at various National Archives research facilities. For instance, the "Field Office Records" for the Southwest Area Office, spanning from 1935 to 1983, can be found at the National Archives at Denver. Similarly, the "Correspondence and Presentation Albums" for the Southwest Area Office, covering the years 1935 to 1969, are housed at the National Archives at Denver as well.
The IACB, established in 1935 by an act of Congress within the Department of the Interior, aims to advance the economic welfare of Indian tribes through the development of Indian arts and crafts. The board is overseen by up to five commissioners, who are appointed by the Secretary of the Interior for four-year terms.
In addition to its role in promoting Native American arts and crafts, the IACB supports the implementation and enforcement of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990, which prohibits misrepresentation in the marketing of Indian art and craft products within the United States.
For more detailed information about IACB photographic materials, interested parties are encouraged to contact the Still Picture Branch at [email protected].
[1] National Archives Identifier: 645752 (Portland Area Office, 1936-1968) [2] National Archives Identifier: 281596 (Cherokee Field Office Records, 1968-1983) [3] National Archives Identifier: 1698717 (Oklahoma Area Field Office, 1935-1967) [4] National Archives Identifier: 12080865 (Records of Arizona Field Agents, 1936-1968) [5] National Archives Identifier: 12008288 (Southwest Area Office, 1935-1983)
[1] The photography within the "Photographic Prints of Indian Life, Cultural Events, and Arts and Crafts, 1963-1981" series could provide valuable insights about the weather conditions during various Native American sports events.
[2] Knowing the weather conditions in specific regions can contribute significantly to understanding the aesthetic preferences in the crafting of Native American arts and crafts, as seen in the "Correspondence and Presentation Albums" for the Southwest Area Office, housed at the National Archives at Denver.
