July 24, 2021

The Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) people lived in the area when the Lewis and Clark expedition arrived in 1805 and provided food and hospitality to the explorers. The Visitors Center features exhibits of historic and contemporary clothing, tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects.

Contemporary products
The shirt on the left was made about 1820 and the one on the right was made about 1880.
Moccasins, 1830-40’s
Beaded moccasin, about 1900
Basket hats, 1820-45
Ermine bonnet, 2020
Bracelet, 1830-45
Rope, 1820-45
Quirt, 1820-45
Cradleboard, 1846
Saddle, 1820-45
Kenneth Paul Sherwood shared his weaving and beading.

The Lapwai Mission was established on the site in 1836 by the Rev. Henry Harmon Spalding and Eliza Hart Spalding and featured the first home, school, and church in Idaho. Lapwai means butterfly.

These are the ruins of two chimneys that define the footprint of the Spalding home.
Bank of the Clearwater River
Lapwai Cemetary
Store near Lapwai
Categories: Travel

1 Comment

Laura · October 19, 2021 at 1:51 pm

These artifacts are beautiful.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.