Action and Performance Native American Symbols Beyond Aesthetics

zSymbols are pictorial and often take the place of words.

Native American Symbols zNative American symbols are more than art. zAnimals are also used. zThey encompass a cosmos and a context.

Symbols - An Overview zPoint to something beyond themselves. zMore descriptive than words. zDevelop over time. zOften only has meaning in a context. zSome symbols are used in a number of different contexts and cultures. For exampleexample zAt right Trey Oxendine of the Lumbee Tribe from Pembrook, NC at Cleveland Powwow, June 17-19,

More On Symbols zThe symbols have a history which includes the object itself, persons involved and the circumstances surrounding its development. zSymbolism in Native American is significant but only as it relates to a particular context which includes a number of factors. zAt right a Cleveland Powwow June 17-19,

Native American Symbols zSignificance cannot be determined by isolating and decoding particular symbols. zThey are inseparable from the performance of which they are a part.

Symbolism in Use zSandpainting ritual is used as a cure ceremony. zThey are constructed on the floor of a ceremonial hogan and depict mythic persons who have a connection with the cause of the illness being treated.

Context driven Sandpainting zOne has to see how the sandpainting fits into a greater picture that is itself symbolic, created from the experience of hearing the stories, praying the payers, living the way of life, all of which constitute Navajo tradition.

Self-Directed Designs and Objects zSome Native American artifacts are self-directed in others words to be understood they have to be looked at from the point of view of the wearer.

zHere is an example of an effigy pipe in which the smoker, when using the pipe, is facing he animal. zThe effigy pipes of the Algonquin are used to aid in concentration and thought. A person by smoking the pipe and concentrating on the effigy and one gains power from the guardian spirit.

The Power of the Bear zThe Sioux used the Bear as a symbol.

Esoteric Objects zMany esoteric objects such as the medicine bundles are very symbolic. Their power lies in what they invoke through history of the user and use, stories of their origin, the occasions and manners of their use.

Masks Masking or masquerade?

Seneca False Faces zMany masks are related to formal and public religious acts. zMasks are living things. zFor example the society of men of the Seneca who perform the new year’s corn and green ceremonies to drive out evil.

Use of the Masks zThese are carved out of living trees and removed (if possible) without killing the tree. zThey are distinctly decorated with distortions and exaggeration. zCarved out by special people.

Care zThe masks have distinctive features. zThey are molded according to a dream revelation. zThe masks are treated as living beings. zWhen not in use they are hung facing the wall or are wrapped and carefully placed in a box or drawer.

Treatment zThey are fed periodically by putting something on their lips. zTheir faces are sometimes treated to keep clean. zEach mask is named and has its own personality.

Consider This zThey are very powerful for they manifest the power of the Bad twin who, when overcome by the Good Twin at the close of creation, was destined to aid in keeping the health and wellbeing of human beings. zThe masks are not a covering or disguise but are a living manifestation of the type of spiritual being.

The Hopi Looking Through the Mask

Meaning of the Mask zIn the case of Hopi the masks represents a way of looking at the world--a perspective. zAt right is an artist’s rendition of a snake dancer mask.

zFor example masks are used to frightened children into behaving properly--this is where the family has to provide a considerable sum for the life of the child. zThe mask provided wearer with a perspective of reality shown on the face of the child.

Kwakiutl Masks and the Notion of Place zThe Kwakiutl use the mask to designate hierarchical relationships. zFor Kwakiutl reality is in grid relationships.

zIn it there are a fixed number of positions, to each of which belongs a name, referred to as seat or standing place. zAt right is a transformation mask.

Conclusion zMasks are symbolic because of what they make present: they are spiritual reality. Masks cannot be translated or decoded because their meaning is inseparable from what they make present--which, apart from the masks, could not be observed or expressed.

Native American Symbols zTribesTribes