Mighty Miniatures

Miniatures are a global and almost universal phenomenon. Their tiny size draws us in. Their intricate details inspire awe. The little worlds we can build with them stir our imagination. Whether a toy or a work of fine art, there is more to a miniature than meets the eye. Held within these small wonders are big messages. The Indigenous works in Mighty Miniatures reveal stories about childhood, creativity, and innovation, as well as the ways Indigenous communities have used miniatures to preserve traditional knowledge and support economic development. Ranging from North, Central, and South America and Hawai‘i, the exhibition features over 300 works from the museum’s collection of more than 1,300 miniatures. Dolls, pottery, baskets, and more—Mighty Miniatures celebrates these artistic marvels in miniature and the Indigenous artists who make them.