NATIVE Americans will offer visitors a unique glimpse into their tribes’ folklore and customs at Bath’s American Museum this month.

In March the museum unveiled Spirit Hawk Eye, a photographic exhibition by Heidi Laughton celebrating American Native Culture.

Three of the Native Americans featured in the display, Sarita McGowan, a member of the Iowa Tribe, Comanche artist Nocona Burgess, and Chumash educator Alan Salazar, are now preparing to travel to the UK to deliver a series of talks and workshops between July 18 and 25.

The romantic distortion of the traditional Native American way of life has proved a potent myth. The special residency will debunk the myth, giving visitors a unique opportunity to delve beyond the Hollywood stereotypes. Linguistically and culturally, Native Americans are as varied as the climates and landscapes they inhabited.

Sarita McGowan will introduce the public to the history and culture of the Ioway and run a special workshop teaching visitors how to create the handmade medicine pouches traditionally worn for protection and to honour one’s ancestors. She will also hold a demonstration of women’s Northern Traditional Buckskin dance.

Painter Nocona Burgess will lead Painting Outward – Colour Theory in Practice, a workshop exploring contrasts between vivid colour and dark surfaces for anyone over the age of eight.

Alan Salazar will engage adults and children alike in a Chumash storytelling session incorporating traditional tales, songs, and music. He will also give a talk on the Chumash’s history and maritime legacy.

The American Museum is based at Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, BA2 7BD.

For further information and to book the workshops and talks call 01225 820868 or email workshops@americanmuseum.org.