The HistoryMiami Museum has opened a new exhibit titled “Yakne Seminoli” (Seminole World), showcasing the work of over 25 Seminole artists. The show features a range of art forms including sweetgrass basketry, wood carvings, textiles, and paintings, with pieces from artists such as Hali Garcia, Jimmy John Osceola, Erica Deitz, Elgin Jumper, and Wilson Bowers. Garcia, a Seminole sweetgrass basket weaver, incorporates contemporary influences like video games and anime into her traditional craft, including a basket inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog. The museum partnered with the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum in the Big Cypress Reservation to present the exhibition, which includes items originally sold in tourist camps as a means of survival.
The exhibit matters because it highlights the resilience and enduring legacy of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, presenting both historical and contemporary works that demonstrate how younger artists are blending tradition with modern influences. By amplifying Florida’s rich indigenous history and making it accessible to a wider audience, the show counters stereotypes and affirms that Seminole culture is still thriving today. It also underscores the role of museums as vehicles for community expression and cultural preservation.