Collection proving to be a living legacy

Julie Severn

6/27/2002 12:00:00 AM

The late Caleb "Little Eagle" Calkins left a million dollar living legacy in a priceless Native American art collection that has been entrusted to the Ziibiwing Cultural Society.

ZCS officials are almost finished cataloging the vast collection of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal member's Indian artwork, paintings, artifacts, pottery and historic materials.

"Caleb was an amazing collector," stated ZCS Collections Manager Willie Johnson. "Of our 1,500-piece collection, 342 total pieces are from his donation alone, which was appraised at $1.5 million."

Caleb and his wife Isabella were married for 57 years until her death in November of 1996. He passed away in October of 2000. The couple had no children to leave their cultural inheritance.

His personal fortune-which was acquired from real estate dealings and operating Flint-based nursing homes- was also divided between the Whaley Children's Center, the Cedar Street Children's Center and the St. Matthew Catholic Church of Flint, where the couple resided.

"We went to Caleb's home to take an initial inventory in April of 2001," explained Johnson. "The pieces were everywhere; his home was like an actual museum. He had art on the mantel, on his desk and even in his bathroom."

Caleb's collection ranged from a full-sized, 14-foot canoe from the Pacific Northwest Shalish people to a rare, century-old, Pomo Indian feather basket. The basket is five inches in diameter by 1 1/2 inches tall.

The collection also includes several paintings by Oscar E. Berininghaus, Joseph H. Sharp and E. I. Couse, who is originally from Saginaw. The artists were three of the six founding members of the Taos Society of Artists, which was established in New Mexico 90 years ago.

Some of the oldest pieces include trade silver and arrowheads found on the banks of the Flint River, according to Johnson.

The accumulation of artifacts was so immense that Ziibiwing had to rent a warehouse for storage. Johnson said once the new Ziibiwing Center is open, the Calkins collection will be one of the many exhibits on display for the public.

"It's an honor to be responsible for the care of such an amazing collection," he added. "We are still taking inventory and cataloging a few remaining pieces. Our long term goal is to make the collection available to the public via the web."

ZCS Curator Patrick Wilson is responsible for handling the items and ensuring they are stored in a safe environment. The items are securely wrapped and boxed in special materials that won't damage the artifacts. Temperature, water and pest control considerations have also been taken into account in properly preserving the artwork.

"We do have sacred ceremonial pieces like the Bear Claw Necklace in storage," explained Johnson. "Not only are we responsible for the physical care of these items in our possession, but we also care for them spiritually. These items are smudged on a regular basis."

The 43-inch necklace is crafted out of otter fur, pony beads, bear claws, ribbon, wool, leather, jingle cones, and eagle feathers. A beaded emblem is displayed on the front while two medicine bags are attached to the back.

"This piece was used for ceremonial purposes," said Wilson in regard to the necklace. "It may have been used as part of dance regalia in a modern sense."

According to Johnson, the bandoleer bags are possibly the "most unique" asset in the collection.

"It seems as if it would have taken years to produce such high quality craftsmanship," he said. "The beauty is amazing in these time-intensive pieces."

The highly-decorative shoulder bags are lined with extensive floral beadwork.

"This comes from the Chippewa people circa 1880 to 1890," said Wilson. "The geometric designs are older than the floral designs. There are bags that are more decorative, but not as flashy as this. It may have been used for ceremonial purposes or as a status indication in regalia."

Wilson said this particular bag has a full pouch placing it closer to the 1800 era because the pouch was slowly eliminated in the 1900s.

"It would be difficult to put a monetary value on such beautiful cultural artifacts," added Johnson. "It's such an honor to look after these pieces and to be able to share them with the community."

ZCS Director Bonnie Ekdahl said she is very grateful for all the assistance in acquiring the collection, including Ron Douglas and his family throughout the process.

"We want to honor Caleb Calkins for his foresight and leaving this legacy for our children to learn from," she added.