The CADDO: Traditions and Heritage

This exhibit carefully considers the Caddo tribe's long and distinguished history, both ancient and living Caddo traditions, and the tribe's many contributions to the cultural heritage of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Displays will explain who the Caddo are, who they were, where they came from, and what Caddo life was like at different points in history. Archival and modern photographs, artwork, documents, and maps will accompany interpretive panels provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The display will be further enhanced with items representative of Caddo material culture from the Museum’s own collections. Supplemental material will include original art representing Native American tribal culture by Robert Schiffhauer, local artist and professor, TAMU Department of Architecture.

Many Thanks To:

• Arts Council of Brazos Valley
• DeLucia Mail Service
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
• Museum of the Great Plains
• Star of the Republic Museum
• Joe S. Hays
• Dr. Alston Thoms
• Shawn Carlson
• Dr. Robert Schiffhauer

  A professor of architecture, Texas A&M University, prolific artist and specialist in design communication, Robert has a long and distinguished resume of creative and artistic work, including the paintings displayed here, which are a part of a larger series called “The Torchbearers.” Work on the series began in 2004 as a collaboration with Susan Gordone, project archivist and artistic director and wife of the late Charles Gordone, Pulitzer Prize winning playwright and former professor at Texas A&M University.

  Their intention was to complete Charles and Susan Gordone’s planned effort to compile the multi-ethnic history of America left out of the history books. Although interrupted by Charles’ untimely death, Robert and Susan have continued this work, developing a series of exhibits that bring these same stories to light through portraiture. For the last year, Robert’s focus has been drawing portraits of the great Indian chiefs as part of the “Torchbearer” series. Components of this series have been displayed at the Stark Gallery, the African American Museum of the Brazos Valley, and here at BVMNH.

• Dr. Donald R. Clark, Jr.

  As a US Fish and Wildlife Service and US Geological Service wildlife scientist, Don researched the effects of environmental contaminants on wildlife, mostly bats, for nearly 30 years before retiring in 2000. In addition to wildlife, Don has long-time interests in (as well as great respect for) the life-ways and beliefs of people who lived--or today are still trying to live--directly from nature. This has led him to attempt aboriginal techniques for making and using tools for food-gathering and for artistic expression.

  He is an accomplished beader, flintknapper, leather artisan, and carver. Material results of some of his creative efforts are displayed around the Museum in connection with the current exhibit about the Caddo people of Texas.