The Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum and Study Center in Piggott present the 11th annual “Native American Day” Saturday afternoon. The event will be held on the grounds of the Museum and will focus on the lives and history of Native Americans who lived in northeast Arkansas. Museum Director Teresa Taylor tells how the idea for this annual event got its start.
“Matilda Pfeiffer lived in this house and she collected rocks and minerals,” stated Taylor. “At some point, Pfeiffer had bought a rather large collection of Native American artifacts that was collected locally. We have a lot of that collection on display. In honor of her interest in Native American artifacts, we thought that we could honor that with some type of ceremony to cultivate an interest in Native American culture”
She tells how Native American Day has evolved over the years.
“When it first started, we had amateur archeologist R.W. “Dub” Lyerly to join us. He is a local authority on Native Americans. He set up a power point presentation for us, and that is how the Native American Day started,” stated Taylor. “We are grateful that every year he comes back and donates his time to help us out with Native American Day. Over the years, we have tried to add numerous events to make it very interesting for those who come.”
Lyerly will be back at this year’s event as he will answer questions that people have, as well as identify artifacts that are brought in. Knappers will demonstrate the knapping process that Native Americans used to produce arrowheads or points. Also, Taylor says a Boy Scout troop will perform Native American dances.
“We have scouts that come in from Venture Crew “Order of the Arrow”. They will come in dressed in Native American regalia and set up teepees. They have learned and studied the different dances and will perform those dances Saturday. They have a narrator that also explains what is going on in the dances.”
She says other events that are going on include games and crafts for the kids, art instructor Jerri Tate will join students from Piggott High School in helping children make pinch pots, and there will be food and drinks. The event is free and the public is invited to attend.
