MMIW

Copied Katrina Mitten, MMIW, 2020, cotton fabric, ribbon, Czech seed beads, bone, shell, Overall: 4 3441 181 58 in. Mask and Beads: 4 347 781 58 in. Mask: 3 587 581 58 in. Right upper tie: 16 1258 in. Right lower tie: 16 5858 in. Left upper tie: 16 1458 in. Left lower tie: 16 1858 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
Date
2020
Dimensions
Overall: 4 3441 181 58 in. Mask and Beads: 4 347 781 58 in. Mask: 3 587 581 58 in. Right upper tie: 16 1258 in. Right lower tie: 16 5858 in. Left upper tie: 16 1458 in. Left lower tie: 16 1858 in.
Copyright
© 4/2020, Katrina Mitten
Credit Line
Museum purchase through the Kenneth R. Trapp Acquisition Fund
Mediums Description
cotton fabric, ribbon, Czech seed beads, bone, shell
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure — fragment — hand
  • Dress — accessory
Object Number
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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