Virtual Artifacts at the Shako:wi Cultural Center
at the Oneida Indian Nation

Place your cursor over the image after it has downloaded. Hold down the mouse key and move the cursor from right to left, or left to right. This will allow the image to be rotated 360 degrees. You will need the QuickTime plug-in to view the artifacts.

The Potter
This exquisitely detailed no-face doll was captured in mid-gesture as she made pottery. The beaded clothing is typical of 18th century Oneida style.

Learn more about dolls in our Iroquois Corn Husk Dolls exhibit >

The Fisherman
This no-face doll represents an Oneida Fisherman. The beaded clothing is typical of 18th century Oneida style.

Corn Pounder
This detailed no-face doll represents an Oneida Woman using a traditional corn pounder. The beaded clothing is typical of 18th century Oneida style.

Basket
This Oneida basket from the late 19th century is woven of blackash strips (splints). Applying the designs that cover the basket was a simple, yet ingenious, process. Oneidas carved a potato to use as a stamp. Then, they dipped the potato stamp into a dish of vegetable dye and applied it to the splints.

Learn more about this basket and others in our Art of Basketry exhibit >

Kasto:wi
This is an example of the kasto:wi (or kostaweh), the traditional headdress of the Iroquois. An ash splint frame suspends the cap, decorated by turkey feathers. The deer horns mounted indicate that the wearer would be a chief. The expression "de-horning" for removal of a chief from office is a literal one, as the kasto:wi is taken from him.

Learn more about the Kasto:wi in our Chief's Kasto:wi exhibit >

Shako:wi is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. almost every day of the year. It is closed on holidays including American Indian Day (the Friday before Labor Day). Group tours by prearrangement. There is no admission fee. All Iroquois Gift Shop on the premises.

Located on Nation lands about 35 miles east of Syracuse, NY, Shako:wi is a focal point for the culture and history of the Oneida People. Here Nation Members meet to share more about their heritage, and in turn share it with their friends. Stop by to find out more about the Nation next door, the Oneida Indian Nation. Easily accessible from anywhere!

Directions:
From East to West:
NYS Thruway to Exit 33, Verona NY
Left on Rt. 365 - Right on Rt. 5 - Left on Rt. 46
About 2 1/2 miles to Nation Territory.
Left at flashing yellow light.

From North to South:
I-81 to NYS Thruway to Exit 33, Verona NY
Left on Rt. 365 - Right on Rt. 5 - Left on Rt. 46
About 2 1/2 miles to Nation Territory.
Left at flashing yellow light.

For more information, call 1-315-829-8801.