Careful Where You Sit

Careful Where You Sit

If these furnishings look weird, it’s because they are. They were oddities even when they were made in the late 19th century, and now you can see some examples on exhibit at the Manitoba Museum.

An ornate armchair with the back, legs, and arms made of interconnected bison horns.

Chairs made with antlers and horns were a fad in the late 1800s, and available to anyone with cash to spend. Some of the earliest pieces date from the 1860s, but it was at the Chicago Industrial Exposition of 1876 that horn furniture was displayed for the first time. Ten years later they featured in the Canadian section of the Colonial Exhibition and were described as having “a very striking and pleasing effect.”

Bison horn furnishings were made for a growing middle class, who had a late Victorian taste for elaborate decorations and overstuffed parlours. After the First World War, horn furniture was seen as distasteful, and much of it disappeared. Some of these pieces later came to museums with stories that they were made by First Nations artists, but real evidence is lacking.

 

Image: This cozy bison horn chair, made in the 1880s, was owned by Archbishop Samuel P. Matheson (1852-1942) of Winnipeg. It will be on display in The Museum Collection Illuminated exhibition. H8-7-6, ©Manitoba Museum

We do know that in Winnipeg, William F. White, proprietor of a taxidermy and curiosities shop, was described as a “horn manufacturer.” He advertised “a wonderful display of fancy horn work in all kinds of useful articles” in a Dec. 12, 1892 Free Press issue, just in time for Christmas. The making and sale of bison horn furnishings was happening right here in Winnipeg.

A short and squat footstool with four legs made of polished bison horns.

A bison horn footstool, now on display in the Darbey Taxidermy shop. H9-36-126, ©Manitoba Museum

An inkwell set in a rough squared base, with a bison horn extending off the left side.

An inkwell swathed in velvet and accentuated by a huge bison horn. Dating to the 1880s, it belonged to Mr. Edward Dickson of Oak Lake, MB. H9-7-445, ©Manitoba Museum

A wall-hanging coat rack made of five pairs of bison horns extending off the base at different angles and intervals.

This bison horn hat rack was likely made in the 1880s. The velvet upholstery, common in Victorian homes, is identical to that found on the chair and inkwell. H9-39-854, ©Manitoba Museum

There was a dark legacy to the crafting of bison horn furniture. The near extinction of the North American bison in the 1880s was caused by many actors, some of whom wanted to weaken First Nations. American hunters killed bison indiscriminately to sell the hides, and dried bones were later sold for fertilizer. It was a huge loss of animal life, and a traumatic change for many First Nations who had relied on bison herds for thousands of years.

You can see – but not sit on – some of these artifacts in our newest exhibition, The Museum Collection Illuminated, opening May 13 in our Discovery Room, or on permanent display in the Darbey Taxidermy Shop in the Winnipeg 1920s Gallery.

Plan your visit today

Dr. Roland Sawatzky

Dr. Roland Sawatzky

Curator of History

Roland Sawatzky joined The Manitoba Museum in 2011. He received his B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Winnipeg, M.A. in Anthropology from the University of South Carolina, and Ph.D. in Archaeology…
Meet Dr. Roland Sawatzky

Preview the Manitoba Museum’s Newest Exhibition

A word graphic for The Museum Collection Illuminated, opening May 13, 2025. On the right is a photograph of an ornate armchair with the back, legs, and arms made of interconnected bison horns.

NEW EXHIBITION AT THE MANITOBA MUSEUM

 

Members of the media are invited to the Manitoba Museum to preview The Museum Collection Illuminated, a temporary exhibition opening May 13, 2025 in the Museum’s Discovery Room.

The Museum Collection Illuminated explores the “What, Where, How, and Why” of museum collections and presents a snapshot of the diverse and extensive work undertaken throughout the Museum’s history of collecting. Research, conservation, exhibitions, and programs are featured in videos showing behind-the-scenes conservation and field work, interpretive panels, and a timeline graphic, alongside answers to frequently asked questions.

The exhibition showcases unusual artifacts and specimens, hand-selected from our vaults by our curatorial team for their unique qualities, including an 11lb Giant Puffball mushroom, a gloriously gaudy bison horn chair from the 1880s, a 500 BCE Archaic period wine pitcher, and more.

Members of the media are invited to preview the exhibition by appointment between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm on Monday, May 12, 2025. Please contact Brandi Hayberg at BHayberg@ManitobaMuseum.ca to arrange a preview.
The following exhibition contributors will be available for interviews:

  • Dr. Amelia Fay, Curator of Anthropology and the HBC Museum Collection.
  • Dr. Joseph Moysiuk, Curator of Palaeontology & Geology

 

The Museum Collection Illuminated will be open to the public starting Monday, May 13, 2025. Entrance into this temporary exhibition is included with a Manitoba Museum All Attraction Pass. Manitoba Museum Members and Indigenous Peoples can access this exhibition at no charge.

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Media Inquiries: 

Brandi Hayberg
Manager of Marketing & Communications
BHayberg@ManitobaMusuem.ca

The Planetarium: A Window to the Stars

It’s the 100th anniversary of the world’s first planetarium show! Join Scott Young, our Manitoba Museum Planetarium Astronomer, in the theatre to learn a bit more about how our Planetarium works to show audiences the Universe.

Was the “Charlie Chaplin Theatre” a real place?

Have you ever stopped to watch a short film at the Allen Theatre in the Winnipeg 1920 Cityscape? Affectionately referred to as “The Charlie Chaplin Theatre” in “The Old Town”, like many businesses in the Cityscape, the theatre actually represents a real place in 1920 Winnipeg!

Join Erin in this video to learn more about the Allen Theatre.

Embracing Gratitude and Growth in Leadership

Wow, it’s been four years. I can hardly believe how quickly the time has passed. Stepping into the CEO role at the Manitoba Museum was and continues to be one of the most incredible privileges of my life. As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude—not only for the opportunity to lead but also for the lessons, challenges, and joys that come with it. Leading in the museum field is especially meaningful, as it demands a deep engagement with history, community, and the future.

The Power of Continued Learning

Anyone who has changed roles or employers mid-career appreciates the importance of being a lifelong learner. While experience provides a foundation, leadership is never static, and new spaces demand we get comfortable with not having all the answers. Every decision, every challenge, and every collaboration offers a chance to grow. I have come to appreciate and enjoy that learning is not a phase or chapter but a lifelong commitment; it’s part of the entire story. Here, I’ve been given the chance to expand my understanding of museum best practices, how museums can be allies in Truth and Reconciliation, how places of history can and must be places of justice. The Manitoba Museum has refined my ability to navigate change, has called on my courage time and again, and has forced me out of ideas and knowledge I felt comfortable in. I can’t fully express how grateful I am for the ways this role has changed me. Since day one, and often still today, I don’t have many of the answers but I’ve learned to ask thoughtful, curious, open-ended questions, inviting new perspectives, and being willing to evolve.

The Joy of Thoughtful and Dedicated Colleagues

Leadership is never a solo endeavour. I am profoundly fortunate to be surrounded by passionate, talented colleagues who share a commitment to the Manitoba Museum’s mission. Their dedication to preserving and sharing history, engaging with visitors from near and far, and ensuring our institution’s future is inspiring. In a world that feels ever more chaotic and fragmented, working alongside individuals who care deeply about their work is both grounding and invigorating. The collaborative spirit, the exchange of ideas, and the shared excitement for new projects make every day meaningful.

Loving Where You Work While Working to Change It

One of the more complex aspects of leadership is balancing a deep love for an institution with a recognition that change is necessary. Museums are places of tradition, yet they must also be places of transformation. As much as I respect the history and legacy of our museum, I also see areas where we must evolve—to be more inclusive, more accessible, more reflective of the diverse stories that make up our shared past. Loving a place means wanting the best for it, even when that means advocating for difficult but necessary shifts. Growth and progress are acts of care, and it is through change that institutions remain relevant and vital.

Museums as Vital Spaces in Our Lives

The longer I work in this field, the more I appreciate how essential museums are to our collective well-being. Museums are not just repositories of objects; they are spaces where communities gather, where histories are honoured, and where learning happens in profound and unexpected ways. They challenge us to think critically, to feel deeply, and to connect with perspectives beyond our own. At their best, museums are catalysts for conversation, empathy, and action. In an era where misinformation and polarization can cloud understanding, museums offer a space for nuanced exploration of the past and its implications for the present and future.

A Brave and Deliberate Relationship with the Past

A selfie of Manitoba Museum CEO Dorota Blumczyńska wearing a soft red shirt that reads, "Museums are not neutral" in a large bold font.

Working in a museum has reinforced for me the importance of engaging with history not just as a record of what was, but as a guide for what could be. History teaches us what must never be allowed to happen again. In our relationship with the past, the Manitoba Museum is not neutral, meaning, we are not mere observers. We work to acknowledge our shared failings, sit in the discomfort of contemporary injustice, and seek to have a nuanced dialogue with the all too-familiar present we find ourselves in. The past is full of complexities, triumphs, and wrongs. To truly honour history, we must be willing to look at it unflinchingly, to confront uncomfortable truths, and to amplify voices that have too often been silenced. This is not always an easy task, but it is a necessary one. When we engage with history bravely and deliberately, we uncover lessons that help us navigate today’s challenges with greater wisdom, resilience, and compassion.

Moving Forward with Gratitude

As I continue on this leadership journey, I carry with me a deep appreciation for the experiences that have shaped me, the people who inspire me, and the mission that guides me. Leadership is not just about directing change—it is about nurturing a culture where curiosity, courage, and collaboration thrive. It is about ensuring that museums continue to be places where history illuminates the present and inspires a better future.

I am grateful for the chance to do this work, for the colleagues who walk this path with me, and for the ever-evolving lessons that come with leading in a space so vital to our collective story. The challenges are many, but the rewards—the opportunity to shape a meaningful, inclusive, and forward-thinking institution—are immeasurable. For that, I am truly thankful.

The name

Dorota Blumczyńska
Manitoba Museum CEO

Crafting Custom Artifact Storage

What do our conservators do when there isn’t a box the right size to fit a particular artifact? They make one of course! These custom boxes are designed to fit each item perfectly, supporting its conservation for years to come. In this video, join Assistant Conservator Estelle in the lab to learn how she makes these precise pieces.

DYK About this Famous Winnipegger?

Zara Nelsova was known as the Queen of the Cello, but did you know she was from Winnipeg? Learn more about the life of this famous cellist and get a close look at three of her performance gowns in Cortney’s latest video.

How Does Hydroelectricity Work? Earth Day 2025

Happy Earth Day! Renewable energy is critical to having a healthy planet. Here in Manitoba we have a lot of rivers and stream, which we harness to create hydroelectricity! But how does it work?

Join Mike in the Science Gallery to watch a demo with our hydroelectric generator.

Have you heard of Clarence Tillenius?

The immersive dioramas at the Manitoba Museum are many people’s favourite part of the Museum. Did you know that five of the classic dioramas were designed and painted by iconic Canadian artist Clarence Tillenius?

Learn more about his process in this video with Erin.

Preserving Tradition: The Art and Significance of Moccasin Making

Have you ever seen the beautiful moccasins in the Manitoba Museum galleries and wondered about their creation process? Who made them, who wore them, and where did they travel? Museums are filled with millions of objects and specimens, but it’s the stories behind these items that really matter. Discovering how these stories connect to present-day individuals and communities is truly the best part of my job.

While moccasins may seem ordinary, they preserve cultural heritage and have resisted colonial forces since first contact. As a young girl, I admired how my relatives paired their outfits with braids, beaded earrings, bolo ties, and stunning moccasins. There is an ongoing desire to preserve our cultural identity, even through everyday items like shoes and accessories.

One of our long-time friends and partners is Gloria Beckman, a Nēhîthâwâk artist skilled in many art forms, including moccasin making. Through her workshops, Gloria shares her expertise and passion, helping preserve these vital cultural traditions.

A pair of moccasins with light tan leather bodies, with beaded accenting and grey fur trimming.

Images: Beautiful pairs of fur-trimmed, beaded moccasins created by workshop leader Gloria Beckman. © Gloria Beckman.

Moccasins in museum collections storage. In the foreground, a pair of black moccasins with colourful beaded detailing around the body. In the background, a tan-coloured pair of moccasins with beaded cuffs at the ankles and a beaded panel on the top of the foot.

Gloria recently shared that moccasin making is a meditative, community building activity. She expressed that, “The excitement of seeing pahkîkinaskisina (leather footwear) is an intrinsically rewarding experience” that provides us with a sense of belonging.

We are honoured to partner with Gloria for various workshops throughout the year, offering guests the opportunity to create their own hand-made treasures, perhaps to pass down to future generations with love. Workshops also provide a unique experience to explore the techniques and artistry from our ancestors with a behind-the scenes look at artifacts in our collection.

If you are interested in hearing about future workshop opportunities be sure to sign up for our Manitoba Museum e-newsletter!

Tashina Houle-Schlup

Tashina Houle-Schlup

Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement

Tashina Houle-Schlup is a young Anishinaabe woman with roots in Ebb & Flow First Nation who grew up in the foothills of Riding Mountain National Park on a bison ranch and natural hide tannery. Tashina grew up learning to sew, tan hides, bead, and practice quillwork. She has many passions, including sharing her knowledge of Indigenous history and culture in her role as the Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement at the Manitoba Museum.