In the early twentieth century, a distinctive way of painting took hold among Native American artists that would come to define much of what collectors and museums still call traditional or “flat-style” Indian art. The approach featured clean outlines, solid areas of color, little or no shading, and often a plain or very shallow background. Figures stood out clearly, whether they were dancers in full regalia, everyday scenes, or ceremonial moments. Three groups of artists, working in different places but connected by shared ideas, played especially important roles in bringing this style to a wider audience.

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