By Wren Stratton
It’s good to be humbled. I naively believed I could write about the evolution of Native American art and even scratch the surface. It’s like trying to write the history of the world in 500 words.
You can think about Native American art as being before they met the Europeans and after they met the Europeans. Before they were invaded, art was not produced for the act of creating. Objects were created to perform a function and were decorated with symbols from their daily lives.
The kind of objects produced and the decorations depended on their surrounding environments. For instance groups that depended on hunting, gathering and fishing developed basketry as a refined art. The Southwest Indians who were more settled and practiced agriculture created a wonderful pottery tradition. Themes are universally about nature and man’s relationship with Mother Earth.
The European arrival changed everything. They admired and began to collect Native American artifacts. This resulted in the development of Native American art as a business enterprise. Not all foreign influence brought negative consequences. The Spanish introduced sheep to the southwest which provided for the Navajo weavers to flourish with wool. The Spanish also introduced silver working to the southwest.
The South Eastern Cherokee and Creek artists focused on traditional arts such as pipe carving, river cane baskets, gourd art and pottery. After the forced move to Oklahoma they couldn’t get the same materials so other crafts developed such as beadwork and textile arts.
Gender also determined artists in many tribes. Baskets were generally created by women, while men did the items made from wood. This division of labor and artistry has changed dramatically. Since art is a natural way for a people to reflect their values and culture, as that culture has changed, so has their art.
One of the most obvious of the evolutions in Native American art is related to the Ledger Drawings. These graphic narratives were created on rock or buffalo hides and told the stories of the warriors, religious ceremonies, and hunting. As the Native Americans were increasingly imprisoned and interned, ledger drawing became even more popular. Prisoners were given pencils and paper where they drew their memories and experiences with conflict and captivity. These ledger drawings continue to be used by their descendents to step into mainstream art with modern themes. The style is still similar however to the original with simple lines and one dimensional visual stories.
Technology and access to new materials has changed Native American Art. Shell carving is an example of how some approaches have changed; tools for this ancient art form have changed from animal teeth to drill bits. It has also brought much debate about legal protection for a culture’s symbols. Buyers of Native American art must be increasingly knowledgeable to prevent buying fake pieces. Laws are being stiffened to protect those artists who are authentic representatives.
There is no question that the Muskogee area is internationally recognized as a major contributor to Native American Art, both historically and currently. Two of many great opportunities to view and invest are happening right here.
One is the Five Civilized Tribes Art Under the Oaks Market and Festival Saturday and Sunday. Tim Tingle, storyteller and author, will be the featured artist on that Saturday. Another great chance to support new artist’s efforts is the Bacone College Student Art Exhibition, Monday through May 6.
There are as many different Native American art traditions, designs, and styles as there are tribes and nations. Here’s another reason to feel pride that Muskogee plays an important role in this art world and feel blessed that we have access to enjoy and appreciate.
