MMIW

Katrina Mitten, MMIW, 2020, cotton fabric, ribbon, Czech seed beads, bone, shell, Overall: 4 3⁄4 x 41 1⁄8 x 1 5⁄8 in. Mask and Beads: 4 3⁄4 x 7 7⁄8 x 1 5⁄8 in. Mask: 3 5⁄8 x 7 5⁄8 x 1 5⁄8 in. Right upper tie: 16 1⁄2 x 5⁄8 in. Right lower tie: 16 5⁄8 x 5⁄8 in. Left upper tie: 16 1⁄4 x 5⁄8 in. Left lower tie: 16 1⁄8 x 5⁄8 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Kenneth R. Trapp Acquisition Fund, 2020.29.1, © 4/2020, Katrina Mitten

Artwork Details

Title
MMIW
Artist
Date
2020
Location
Dimensions
Overall: 4 3⁄4 x 41 1⁄8 x 1 5⁄8 in. Mask and Beads: 4 3⁄4 x 7 7⁄8 x 1 5⁄8 in. Mask: 3 5⁄8 x 7 5⁄8 x 1 5⁄8 in. Right upper tie: 16 1⁄2 x 5⁄8 in. Right lower tie: 16 5⁄8 x 5⁄8 in. Left upper tie: 16 1⁄4 x 5⁄8 in. Left lower tie: 16 1⁄8 x 5⁄8 in.
Copyright
© 4/2020, Katrina Mitten
Credit Line
Museum purchase through the Kenneth R. Trapp Acquisition Fund
Mediums
Mediums Description
cotton fabric, ribbon, Czech seed beads, bone, shell
Classifications
Highlights
Subjects
  • Dress — accessory
  • Figure — fragment — hand
Object Number
2020.29.1
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2020.29.1

Artwork Description

Katrina Mitten created the MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) face mask as a statement of solidarity and awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explains, “Many women use the red handprint to bring attention to the horrible injustices that are occurring in indigenous communities throughout North America. Having to wear protective masks for our health would cover those who choose to paint the handprint on their faces, and I beaded it onto the mask.”


At the age of twelve, Mitten began learning the traditional arts of the Miami, a Native nation whose name for itself is Myaamia, meaning the “Downstream People.” She continues to make traditional clothing and practice Miami-style beadwork.


This Present Moment: Crafting a Better World, 2022

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