Written on the Land
Ute Voices, Ute History
Hear the story of Colorado’s longest continuous residents, told in their own voices.
Take a journey to iconic Colorado places the Ute people call home. You’ll see traditional arts, gorgeous photography, and contemporary video showing how Ute people have adapted and persevered through the centuries. Witness the tragic loss of Ute homelands and see efforts to keep Ute culture and language alive today.
Written on the Land features more than 200 artifacts from History Colorado’s world-class collection, including Ute beadwork, clothing, basketry, and contemporary craft. See colorful beadwork that adorned dresses, moccasins, bags, and jewelry, along with the willow baskets, stone tools, and wooden saddles historic Ute people used as they moved through the Rocky Mountains with the seasons. Hear elders tell the traditional story of the Bear Dance and see beaded gloves, fringed shawls, and carved instruments used in the Bear Dance today.
Written on the Land is told from the perspectives and in the voices of today’s Ute people. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation provided insights every step of the way to bring this exhibit to the public.
Photo credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley, The Southern Ute Drum
Our crowdfunding campaign for this exhibit is over, but you can still support our ongoing consultation work with tribes by becoming a member!
History Colorado is committed to continued work with Tribal partners to ensure that we are aligned with both the law and spirit of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Learn more by clicking here.
