As the modern world develops, so too do the cultural influences it includes. From fashion to art, food to music, every corner of the globe has something unique to offer. One of the world’s most impressive and longstanding cultural influences can be found in the forms of Native American traditions. Showcasing a rich heritage that has been preserved for centuries, Native American culture has shaped and shared an abundance of history with the world. In this article, we take an in-depth look at how modern style is honoring these powerful traditions, and why honoring Native American culture matters.
1. Preserving the Native American Culture: Avenues of Appreciation
Understand the Culture
Native American cultures are constantly evolving as they integrate and are influenced by other cultures. To properly appreciate the current state of Native American culture, it’s necessary to gain an understanding the influence that came before. Learn the roots of customs, traditions, and stories by exploring the primary or original teachings. This can be accomplished through education about historical literature and artifacts, or by visiting a traditional Native American lands and learning from modern day members of the tribes.
Connect with the Community
Getting involved in the Native American community is a great way to preserve the culture of these original inhabitants of our country. Contributing monetarily to causes and foundations that promote and preserve Native American culture, language, and traditional ways is one great way to show appreciation. Joining an organization that fosters relationships with Native American tribes to protect and maintain protected lands is also a powerful way to support the culture. Other forms of connection can be attending cultural festivals, immersing yourself in the language and gateway ceremony traditions, or buying arts and crafts from venues that support Native American artisans.
2. Celebrating Culture Through Design: Reinterpreting Native American Influences
The beauty of Native American culture can be found all around us. From the majesty of the Grand Canyon to the intricacies of Lakota quillwork, it is impossible to ignore its lasting influence. But, you can also look to Native American-inspired design to get a unique perspective on the ingenuity, creativity, and dynamic artistry of this treasured culture. Here are a few ways Native American influences might be reinterpreted for design today.
- Wall Hangings and Weavings: A mix of modern fabrics, bright colors, and traditional Native American motifs can produce beautiful, vibrant wall hangings and weavings. Traditional patterns can be adapted for contemporary tastes to add character to any room.
- Rugs and Carpeting: Native American artistry has inspired intricate patterned rugs and carpeting, both natural and machine-made. Whether the style features Navajo-influenced abstract shapes or a more traditional rug inspired by the patterns found onulta moccasins, a Native American-inspired design can bring a unique, bohemian flavor to any space.
These traditional elements of art and design can be reimagined and reinterpreted to create meaningful and playful pieces suited for any area in the home. Native American pieces are sure to create a space that radiates with presence, originality, and style.
3. Reclaiming Cultural Identity With Purpose and Pride
Cultural identity is an essential part of who we are and how we see ourselves in the world — it grounds us, it connects us to our community, and it shapes how we communicate and connect with others. It’s important to reclaim our cultural heritage with an attitude of purpose and pride.
Gaining a sense of purpose and pride can be done in a number of ways. Here are a few:
- Explore your cultural heritage through literature and storytelling. Dive into traditional stories, folk tales, songs, and important historical texts to reconnect with the values, practices, beliefs, and art of your ancestors. This knowledge can help you to understand who you are, where you come from, and what is important to your culture.
- Engage in rituals and ceremonies. Participate in cultural commemorations, spiritual rituals, and traditional movements that bring people together and honour the lives of those that came before us. Explore the deeper meanings behind theobehaviours and symbols of your culture.
- Talk with the elders. Reconnect with elders in your community to learn more about the language, stories, and wisdom of the past. These conversations can be incredibly rewarding and provide insight to the values and worldviews of your culture.
Learning more about your cultural identity and heritage is a way to celebrate and honour who you are and the collective legacy of your people. We should do so with pride and purpose, and pass on the wisdom, stories, and knowledge of our ancestors to the future generations.
4. More Than Aesthetic: Transcending Tradition Through Adaptive Expression
Adaptive expression has long been used as a tool artists use to create new works from old. It’s a form of creative reuse, championing the idea of reinventing tradition rather than blindly following it. Through adaptive expression, artists can delve into the depths of art history and bring it back to life in exciting and unexpected ways.
The end result of this practice is something that’s much more than just pleasanly aesthetic. It often allows the viewer to discover new, deeper meanings in a work of art’s original subject matter, making it a powerful and inspiring tool for those interested in exploring the past. Adaptive expression can reveal stories and meanings hidden in visual stories that conventional means of viewing and consumption would miss. Through adaptive expression, collective memory is reawakened and given new life. The past can inform a transformed present.
- Adaptive expression allows for a creative reuse of tradition.
- It gives the viewer the opportunity to discover and explore hidden stories and meanings.
- It reawakens collective memory and gives new life to stories of the past.
By honoring the traditions of their ancestors, Native Americans bring a unique energy and flavor to modern culture. Whether it is in fashion, art, or music, Native American influences are a beautiful nod to the past that will continue to shape the future.
