Western Style: A Convergence of Cultures

PRESENTED BY
Buffalo Bill's Museum & Grave

Conflict in the West is a familiar theme in the history books, movies and even museums. But the West was also a place where cultures converged in peaceful fashion, learning from each other and creating new forms. This is most evident in the material culture of Western Style, which reflects Indian, Hispanic and Anglo cultures. Visitors to Buffalo Bill's Wild West witnessed a convergence of three primary culture groups in the West. Anglos, Indians and Hispanics demonstrated Western life in the arena while working together behind the scenes. This presentation of the West influenced clothing, jewelry, furniture, decorative items and fine arts. It became a style known by many names today but best characterized as Western Style. Within the exhibit, many artifacts, including hats, boots, chairs, rugs, shirts, pottery, guns, and even a sink, illustrate the impact of the American West upon past and present fashion. The impact of popular culture is also demonstrated by such items as Hopalong Cassidy's peal-handled pistols, a cowboy hat presented by Mickey Gilley to Ronald Reagan, and Clark Gable's leather gun case.