9.4 Native American literature and arts

Native American literature and arts are a vibrant part of America's cultural landscape. From ancient oral traditions to contemporary novels, these art forms reflect diverse tribal histories, spiritual beliefs, and cultural values.

Native artists blend traditional techniques with modern influences, addressing issues of identity and cultural preservation. Their work challenges stereotypes, reclaims narratives, and provides unique perspectives on the Native American experience in today's world.

Origins of Native American art

• Native American art forms integral part of Ethnic Studies curriculum, reflecting diverse cultural heritage and historical experiences
• Encompasses wide range of artistic expressions developed over thousands of years, including pottery, weaving, carving, and painting
• Serves as visual representation of Native American spiritual beliefs, cultural values, and connection to the land

Pre-Columbian artistic traditions

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• Rock art (petroglyphs and pictographs) dates back to 10,000 BCE, depicting animals, human figures, and abstract symbols
• Mound-building cultures (Adena, Hopewell, Mississippian) created elaborate earthworks and burial mounds
• Mesoamerican civilizations (Maya, Aztec) developed sophisticated architectural structures, sculptures, and codices
• North American tribes crafted intricate basketry, pottery, and wood carvings specific to their regions

Influence of European contact

• Introduction of new materials (glass beads, metal tools) led to innovation in traditional art forms
• Forced relocation and cultural suppression resulted in loss of some artistic traditions
• Trade with Europeans influenced artistic motifs and techniques (floral designs in beadwork)
• Emergence of "ledger art" as adaptation to new materials and documentation of changing lifestyles
• Creation of "tourist art" to meet demand from non-Native collectors and travelers

Traditional Native American literature

• Oral traditions form foundation of Native American literature, preserving history, culture, and spiritual beliefs
• Encompasses diverse genres including creation stories, trickster tales, and historical narratives
• Plays crucial role in Ethnic Studies by providing insight into Native American worldviews and cultural values

Oral storytelling traditions

• Passed down through generations by skilled storytellers or elders
• Incorporates performance elements (gestures, intonation, rhythm) to enhance narrative
• Serves multiple purposes (education, entertainment, spiritual guidance)
• Adapts to changing circumstances while maintaining core cultural messages
• Emphasizes interconnectedness of all living things and respect for nature

Myths and legends

• Creation stories explain origins of the world, humans, and natural phenomena
• Trickster tales (Coyote, Raven) teach moral lessons through humorous or cautionary adventures
• Hero legends celebrate cultural figures and historical events
• Animal stories often personify creatures with human traits to convey wisdom
• Incorporate explanations for natural phenomena (how the stars were formed, why the seasons change)

Native American visual arts

• Visual arts play vital role in preserving and expressing Native American cultural identity
• Techniques and styles vary widely among different tribes and regions
• Often incorporate spiritual beliefs, connection to nature, and tribal histories

Pottery and ceramics

• Southwest tribes (Pueblo, Hopi, Zuni) renowned for distinctive pottery styles
• Techniques include coil building, pinch pots, and slab construction
• Decorative elements feature geometric patterns, animal motifs, and symbolic designs
• Functional pieces (water jars, cooking pots) coexist with ceremonial and artistic creations
• Black-on-black pottery of San Ildefonso Pueblo revolutionized Native American ceramics in early 20th century

Weaving and textiles

• Navajo weaving traditions produce intricate rugs and blankets with symbolic patterns
• Chilkat blankets of Northwest Coast tribes incorporate complex curvilinear designs
• Plains tribes create star quilts combining traditional patterns with European quilting techniques
• Materials include wool, cotton, cedar bark, and plant fibers
• Patterns often tell stories or represent spiritual concepts (Spider Woman, Four Sacred Mountains)

Beadwork and jewelry

• Plains tribes developed intricate beadwork techniques for clothing and accessories
• Southwestern tribes (Zuni, Hopi, Navajo) known for silversmithing and turquoise jewelry
• Wampum belts of Eastern Woodlands tribes serve as historical records and diplomatic tools
• Porcupine quillwork predates glass beadwork as decorative technique
• Contemporary artists combine traditional techniques with modern designs and materials

Native American performing arts

• Performing arts integral to Native American cultural expression and spiritual practices
• Encompasses wide range of traditions varying by tribe and region
• Plays significant role in maintaining cultural identity and passing down knowledge

Music and dance

• Diverse musical instruments (drums, flutes, rattles) crafted from natural materials
• Vocal traditions include solo songs, group singing, and call-and-response patterns
• Powwow gatherings feature competitive and social dances from various tribes
• Hoop dance demonstrates storytelling through intricate manipulations of hoops
• Ghost Dance movement of late 19th century combined spiritual and political elements

Ceremonial performances

• Sun Dance ceremony of Plains tribes involves days of fasting, prayer, and dancing
• Green Corn Ceremony of Southeastern tribes celebrates harvest and renewal
• Kachina dances of Pueblo peoples represent spirits and teach cultural values
• Potlatch ceremonies of Northwest Coast tribes involve gift-giving and status affirmation
• Many ceremonies remain private, performed only for tribal members to preserve sacred knowledge

Contemporary Native American literature

• Modern Native American literature emerged in mid-20th century as part of broader civil rights movement
• Blends traditional storytelling techniques with Western literary forms
• Addresses themes of identity, cultural preservation, and social justice

Notable Native American authors

• N. Scott Momaday (Kiowa) won Pulitzer Prize for "House Made of Dawn" (1969)
• Leslie Marmon Silko (Laguna Pueblo) wrote influential novel "Ceremony" (1977)
• Louise Erdrich (Ojibwe) explores multigenerational stories in novels like "Love Medicine"
• Sherman Alexie (Spokane/Coeur d'Alene) gained recognition for "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven"
• Joy Harjo (Muscogee Creek) served as first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate (2019-2022)

Themes in modern Native literature

• Exploration of cultural identity and navigating between traditional and modern worlds
• Reclaiming and retelling historical narratives from Native perspectives
• Addressing contemporary issues facing Native communities (poverty, alcoholism, land rights)
• Incorporating elements of magical realism and traditional storytelling techniques
• Challenging stereotypes and misrepresentations of Native peoples in mainstream media

Modern Native American art movements

• Contemporary Native American art combines traditional techniques with modern influences
• Addresses issues of identity, sovereignty, and cultural preservation through various media
• Gains recognition in mainstream art world while maintaining connection to tribal heritage

Native American Renaissance

• Period of cultural revitalization beginning in 1960s coinciding with civil rights movement
• Increased interest in traditional arts and crafts among younger generations
• Establishment of Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe (1962) as major catalyst
• Revival of traditional techniques combined with contemporary artistic expressions
• Growing recognition of Native American art in museums and galleries

Contemporary visual artists

• Fritz Scholder (Luiseño) challenged stereotypical depictions of Native Americans in painting
• Jaune Quick-to-See Smith (Salish/Kootenai) creates mixed-media works addressing political issues
• James Luna (Luiseño) pioneered performance art exploring Native identity and stereotypes
• Wendy Red Star (Apsáalooke/Crow) uses photography and installation to examine cultural representations
• Jeffrey Gibson (Choctaw/Cherokee) combines Native American aesthetics with contemporary art forms

Symbolism in Native American art

• Symbolism plays crucial role in conveying cultural values, spiritual beliefs, and tribal histories
• Varies widely among different tribes and regions
• Interpretation often requires understanding of specific cultural contexts

Animal symbolism

• Eagle represents spiritual strength and connection to the divine in many tribes
• Bear symbolizes healing, strength, and introspection
• Turtle associated with longevity, wisdom, and creation stories in some cultures
• Thunderbird powerful supernatural being in various tribal mythologies
• Coyote often portrayed as trickster figure teaching lessons through misadventures

Nature and spiritual symbols

• Four directions (North, South, East, West) hold significance in many tribal belief systems
• Circle represents unity, wholeness, and the cyclical nature of life
• Spiral symbolizes growth, change, and the journey of life
• Feathers carry spiritual significance and often used in ceremonial contexts
• Medicine wheel represents balance and interconnectedness of all aspects of life

Native American art vs Western art

• Comparison highlights different cultural values, artistic philosophies, and historical contexts
• Raises questions about representation, authenticity, and cultural exchange in art world

Differences in artistic philosophy

• Native American art often emphasizes communal and spiritual purposes over individual expression
• Western art traditionally focuses on realistic representation and individual artistic genius
• Native art frequently incorporates functional objects as part of artistic tradition
• Western art historically separates "fine art" from "craft" or "applied arts"
• Native American art often views creative process as sacred or spiritually significant
• Western art emphasizes innovation and breaking from tradition as markers of artistic value

Cultural appropriation issues

• Unauthorized use of Native American designs and symbols in fashion and commercial products
• Misrepresentation of sacred objects or ceremonial items as decorative art
• Non-Native artists creating "Native-inspired" work without proper understanding or permission
• Debates over ownership and repatriation of Native American artifacts in museums
• Challenges in distinguishing between cultural appreciation and appropriation in artistic practices

Preservation of Native American arts

• Efforts to preserve and revitalize Native American artistic traditions face numerous challenges
• Balances need for cultural continuity with adaptation to changing circumstances
• Involves collaboration between tribal communities, cultural institutions, and educational organizations

Museums and cultural centers

• National Museum of the American Indian (Washington D.C.) showcases diverse Native cultures
• Heard Museum (Phoenix) specializes in Native American art of the Southwest
• Tribal museums (Mashantucket Pequot Museum, Ziibiwing Center) focus on specific tribal histories
• Cultural centers provide spaces for artistic creation, education, and community gatherings
• Debates over repatriation of sacred objects and human remains under Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)

Efforts to revitalize traditions

• Apprenticeship programs pair master artists with younger generations to pass on skills
• Language revitalization efforts support preservation of oral traditions and storytelling
• Digital archives document and preserve traditional knowledge and artistic techniques
• Art markets and fairs provide economic opportunities for Native artists
• Incorporation of traditional arts into contemporary Native American education curricula

Native American literature in education

• Inclusion of Native American literature in educational settings promotes cultural understanding
• Challenges dominant narratives and provides diverse perspectives on American history and culture
• Raises awareness of contemporary Native American issues and experiences

Inclusion in school curricula

• Growing efforts to incorporate Native American literature into K-12 reading lists
• Development of culturally responsive teaching materials and lesson plans
• Challenges in selecting appropriate texts and avoiding stereotypical representations
• Emphasis on teaching works by Native authors rather than non-Native interpretations
• Incorporation of oral storytelling traditions alongside written texts

Representation in academic studies

• Establishment of Native American Studies programs at universities across United States
• Interdisciplinary approach combining literature, history, anthropology, and cultural studies
• Increased scholarship on Native American literature and its place in American literary canon
• Debates over methodologies for studying and interpreting Native American texts
• Growing number of Native American scholars contributing to academic discourse in field

Impact of Native arts on popular culture

• Native American artistic traditions have influenced various aspects of mainstream culture
• Raises questions about authenticity, representation, and cultural exchange

Influence on fashion and design

• Native-inspired patterns and motifs incorporated into clothing and accessories
• Turquoise and silver jewelry styles popularized beyond Southwest
• Dreamcatchers adopted as decorative items in non-Native contexts
• Controversy over use of Native American imagery in sports team logos and mascots
• High-end fashion designers drawing inspiration from traditional Native designs

Native American art in media

• Increased representation of Native American characters and stories in film and television
• Native American music gaining recognition in mainstream music industry (rock, hip-hop)
• Indigenous filmmakers creating works that challenge stereotypical portrayals
• Video games incorporating Native American themes and characters (never alone, Assassin's Creed III)
• Growing presence of Native American artists and performers at major cultural events and festivals