Contemporary Native Indian sculpture is deep rooted in the religion, legends and history of the Iroquois people.  Unlike most primitive art forms depicting a community’s way of life that is usually non-existent and only remembered by its elders, Iroquois sculpture is a living art form. 

The religion of the Longhouse is still very much practiced by native carvers.  Legends, historic events and artistic compositions incorporating symbols of Iroquois society are continuously depicted in these carvings.  The history of contemporary carvings can be usually found in the making of utensils, pipes and ornaments in stones, clay and wood.  Today, images of False Face Masks are liberally incorporated into modern sculptures, since most of the artists began sculpting wooden medicine masks at a young age. 

In earlier times, sculptures were fashioned in the most available and easily workable stones.  Today, steatite has become the favourite material in which to carve, because of its softness and wide range of colouring.  Basic hand tools are still generally used, although some employ an electric drill.  Clear acrylic coating is usually applied to enhance the visibility of the colours in the stone.

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