Award-winning dance performers, Reginald and Gladys Laubin donated their collection of artifacts reflecting American Indian cultures to the Spurlock Museum in 1996. They performed American Indian style dances throughout the United States and abroad for over 33 years. The Laubin Collection consists of over 1900 items.
The Laubins also donated their collection of photographs documenting their lives and perfomances. The photographs are from the early 1900s through the year 2000.
For many years American Indians have made boxes and pouches out of rawhide to carry and store their belongings. Many are painted with a variety of bright colors.
Parfleche Headdress Case
1996.24.2346B
Parfleche Box
1996.24.0606
Dance Shield
The images painted on this shield came to Reginald Laubin in a dream when he was 16 years old
1996.24.2369A
Tripod and Backrest
The tripod consists of three poles. The backrest is hooked over the top of the tripod, unrolled, and placed against two of the three poles. It also covers the ground in front of the tripod, providing a seat as well as a support to lean against.
1996.24.0371
The War Record of One Bull
The war record displayed here depicts the Battle of the Little Big Horn as recorded by Lakota long-standing Chief One Bull. One Bull's war record is part of a long-standing tradition of pictorial narratives carried on by Indians of the Great Plains. Battles, as well as visions and images having great spiritual power, are painted on ceremonial skins, clothing, tipi linings and covers, shields, and drums.
1996.24.0509
Dance Headdress
This is an example of a headdress made by Reginald Laubin to be worn for the Buffalo Dance.
1996.24.0580
Bow
Reginald Laubin, author of the book American Indian Archery, was an active bow maker for many years. This is one of 60 bows now in the Museum collection.
1996.24.0262
Photograph of Prairie Chicken Dance
This photo of Reginald Laubin is representative of many in the collection taken to illustrate the regalia and movements of American Indian dances. Reginald and Gladys Laubin performed for a variety of audiences for over 30 years.