Bringing heritage home

For this Beaverton-area resident, Indian art tells a personal story

By Gail Park

The Times, Feb 8, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Nikki Simon shows some of her American Indian-themed decor, including a rare obsidian knife.

Gail Park / Times Newspapers

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Nikki Simon must struggle to keep her heritage alive. Like other American Indians, her Aloha home is a testimonial of her devotion to her Ottawa Indian tribe.

Native American Indian art often tells a story. Storytelling is essential to the survival of the Ottawa Indian culture.

“Symbolism and spiritualism are huge among the Indian people,” says the mother of two daughters. “My collection celebrates my heritage. I love my heritage. I wish we could go back to the peace and purity.”

It is customary for native people to display artwork and artifacts representing Indian life and spirituality. Simon grew up surrounded by her mother’s amazing collection of original artifacts. Her mother, an almost full-blooded Ottawa and a descendant of Chief Pontiac, sparked her interest in collecting.

“The walls of Mom’s home are filled with a fine collection. It’s like wallpaper. She has originals and amazing artifacts.”

Someday, part of it will be displayed in Nikki’s home.

For now, Nikki pursues pieces of American Indian heritage and art that please her eye. Like an antique collector drawn to period pieces, Simon surrounds herself with Indian-themed items. More than 100 interesting forms of Indian art adorn the Simons’ walls and television console.

In general, the collection emphasizes Indian life. Her husband Scott also has a few of his similarly themed items blended into the symbolic picture. Included in the display is an artifact or two.

Fir, feathers, dream catchers, beads and animal horns embellish some of the pieces. Masks, ceramic figurines, spears, knives, prints, peace pipes, animals and Indian women dominate the collection. Resin selections and porcelain plates from the Hamilton Collection are scattered among the presentation.

Some pieces were gifts. Her sister beaded a handbag for her. A cousin made a peace pipe from buffalo horn.

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