- May 29, 2026
Poarch Creek Indians Museum Exhibit: “Illustrating the Native Southeast: Art, Culture, and Traditions”
An Exploration of Two Landmark Books Documenting Southeastern Native Life, Art, and Heritage
Atmore, AL — A new exhibit at the Poarch Creek Indians Museum, “Illustrating the Native Southeast: Art, Culture, and Traditions,” takes visitors behind the pages of two influential books by Emma Lila Fundaburk that documented the daily life, customs, and craftsmanship of Southeastern native tribes.
Illustrating the Native Southeast, Exhibit Display
The exhibit features two landmark publications. Sun Circles and Human Hands is widely regarded as one of the most influential books on Southeastern archaeology, documenting Native art and material culture. Southeastern Indians: Life Portraits presents a rich collection of paintings and drawings of Southeastern Indians by various artists. Together, these books provide a sweeping visual record of Native artistry, community, and cultural continuity in the American Southeast.
These books’ enduring influence is shared and preserved in the images, designs, and histories that might otherwise have been lost. For the Poarch Creek Indians, the textiles, objects, and images recorded in these works are not relics of the past. They remain part of living traditions, carried forward through art, teaching, research, and community memory.
Illustrating the Native Southeast, Exhibit Display
“We’re proud and excited to share this new exhibit, from its memorable images to the histories they capture, with our community and everyone who visits the Poarch Creek Indian Museum,” said Amber Alvarez, Archives & Museum Director. “It’s a unique chance to experience this lasting record of Native art and life in the Southeast.”
“Illustrating the Native Southeast” is on display at the PCI Museum through November 2026. Admission is free.
Contact:
Kristin Hellmich
communicationsinfo@pci-nsn.gov
(251) 359-8554
About the Poarch Band of Creek Indians:
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama. From hospitality to aerospace, we continue to operate in a variety of industries across the World. Read more about our Tribe here.