QUEBEC.- The Canadian Museum of Civilization presents the exhibit Masters of the Plains: Ancient Nomads of Russia and Canada through September 3, 2007. The exhibition reveals striking similarities and differences between the ancient bison hunters of the North American Great Plains and the ancient nomadic livestock herders of the vast Eurasian Steppes. Although small in numbers, these hardy and resourceful peoples held dominion over immense tracts of North America, Europe and Asia for a remarkable 5,000 years — a record of longevity that compares favourably with the great civilizations in history.

Masters of the Plains: Ancient Nomads of Russia is the product of a six-year long international research partnership between the CMC and Russia's Samara Regional Museum (SRM). The project represents the first-ever archaeology and anthropology research partnership of its kind between a Canadian and a Russian museum. Working in close collaboration, the Museum of Civilization and the Samara Museum developed an exhibition that addresses the cultures of two countries and many peoples. The museums will also co-publish two books based on their research findings.

Nomads' intimate knowledge and sustainable use of the natural environment, as well as their well-honed skills as traders and warriors, helped them thrive for 5,000 years.

Featuring more than 400 artifacts from Canada and Russia, MASTERS of the Plains examines everyday life on the ancient grasslands. Among the themes explored are food preparation, sacred ceremonies, artistic expression, trade, housing design, modes of travel, care of children, and methods of warfare.

The exhibition also discusses the end of the nomadic lifestyle — about 300 years ago on the Steppes and 130 years ago on the Plains — brought about by the technology and ambitions of other peoples and cultures.