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They are endangered, coming from a tradition that borders on extinction — an ancient people grappling with the absurdities of a modern world. Throw in the added perplexities of being female and an artist, and at times being a Native American woman can seem a Herculean task. Such are the themes of the Field Museum’s “Sisters of the Great Lakes,” an art exhibit featuring the work of 20 Native American women who represent tribal groups from Illinois, Michigan, New York, Wisconsin and Canada. The exhibit is the result of a two-year project designed to develop the artistic and business acumen of Native American women artists from the Great Lakes area. It features pottery, beadwork, sculpture, dolls, painting, photography, stained glass and other media, each exploring the artist’s view of herself as a woman and a person with a tribal heritage. “Sisters” opened last Saturday and is on display at the Field Museum, Roosevelt Road at Lake Shore Drive, through March 29, 1998. Call 312-922-8859.