The Gifts of Tu’veep Exhibit Opens at Southern Utah University on October 7th
Published: October 08, 2024 | Author: Clare-Estelle Perkins | Read Time: 1 minutes
CEDAR CITY, Utah –
Southern Utah University’s Special Collections and Archives is proud to announce the opening of a new exhibit, “The Gifts of Tu’veep: Plants of the Southern Paiute”, on Oct. 7. This display will be available to the public in the Gerald R. Sherratt Library, offering exploration of the rich ethnobotanical practices of the Southern Paiute people, known as the Nung’wu.
This exhibit, featuring historical artifacts, descriptions, and images, delves into the long-standing relationships between the Nung’wu, their land, and plants. Specifically, the exhibit highlights three important plants: banana yucca, pinyon pine, and coyote willow, showing their cultural and practical uses throughout history and today. Through objects such as baskets, tools, and beadwork, visitors will gain insight into how these traditions have endured and adapted despite the pressures of colonization.
The exhibit also examines the influence of local historical figures, such as William R. Palmer, and the complex role they played in shaping the cultural narrative of the Nung’wu in Cedar City. This lens allows for a balanced reflection on both the endurance of cultural traditions and the difficult history of discrimination the Nung’wu have faced and continue to overcome.
The Gifts of Tu’veep is part of the ongoing mission of SUU’s Special Collections to share knowledge, promote cultural understanding, and inspire curiosity. The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours.
For more information, please visit the Gerald R. Sherratt Library website or contact the Special Collections Department.
About Southern Utah University Special Collections
The SUU Special Collections and Archives house a variety of materials that support historical, cultural, and environmental understanding. Through periodic exhibits, Special Collections provides access to unique items that help illuminate local and regional stories, fostering learning and engagement with important topics.
Contact Information:
Nikki Koontz
435-586-5400
nikkikoontz@suu.edu