Intertribal Life Newspaper -

SHREVEPORT, LA—The Friends of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, Inc. announce the opening of the long-awaited renovation of the West Wing Native American Galleries in Shreveport, Louisiana. Renamed by the Governing Board of LSEM in honor of Dr. Clarence H. Webb, the new exhibit area displays artifacts from the Poverty Point and Caddo Cultures in north Louisiana. The opening of the exhibit, “Archaeology and the Native Peoples of Louisiana,” was held during a reception on October 20 at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum.

The exhibit’s most exciting feature is the Caddo Culture dugout, a 1,000 year-old vessel carved from a single Bald Cypress tree. Discovered in the banks of Red River, the dugout measures almost thirty-one feet in length, and is truly an impressive sight. There are hands-on demonstrations on tool making by the Chipalottas and gallery talks with archaeologists. There is also a video telling the story of how the dugout came to the museum. Phil Cross, member of the Caddo Nation, who is an expert in working with wood, relates his experience making bows and dugouts. The program is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

“We are so enthusiastic about the renovation and pleased to present these two new galleries and to host an exhibit featuring a family with deep ties to our state,” Museum Director Wayne Waddell said. “The Caddo Nation is an integral component in the history of Shreveport and northwest Louisiana.”

The exhibit is on display during regular museum hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The museum is located at 3015 Greenwood Road, between Hearne and Jewella Streets.

Admission is free and tours are available by appointment. For more information about the Friends of Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, Inc. visit http://www.friendsoflsem.org.