Cultural Identity among Tribes of the Native Americans - Essay Example

Introduction The environment that is created through different cultures and sociological events is one that creates a new sense of cultural ecology. When looking at the various Native American tribes, it can be seen that a specific identity is a part of each of the tribes. The social organization, roles in society, identity and structure of society all played a pertinent role in the Native Americans and their ability to function as a society. The impacts of the environment affected the way that Native Americans functioned and created an alternative role for those that were living during various time frames. Analyzing the various artifacts, activities and structures of the Native American tribes creates a different understanding of the expectations of the culture and the roles that were defined within society. More importantly, the cultural environment is one that equates to the sociological impact that the Native Americans continue to have today within their society. Analysis of the Impacts of Environment The first impact o the environment is one that can be seen through the cultural identity. This forms as the basis for those that are in Native American tribes and which formed a specific understanding of their roles in society. The basis of cultural identity for all Native Americans is assumed to be similar and is based on the lifestyle that was suspected through each of the tribes. Specifically, the association with bison as a staple for living is understood as the main concept as this provided shelter, food and other means for both artwork and overall society. However, the movement into contemporary society changed this with the elimination of bison and led into values and stereotypes of the identity of Native Americans. The presentations of the Native Americans from the 1800s has become one of lost definitions and cultural identity, with specific components that don’t provide the same understanding of the roles of Native Americans within society (Oswalt, 5). The main concepts used with the Native Americans then divide into cultural identity that is a part of the various tribes. The first concept that was associated in different cultures is based on the warfare that is a part of the tribes. The main warfare tribe that is noted throughout Native Americans is the Iroquois. The main cultural identity that is associated with this tribe is a combination of the warlike attitudes held by the Iroquois, as well as the settlements that were made as a farming community. The identity that was associated with these settlements not only reflected the main concepts of living, but also moved into the political realm. The Iroquois were known for the approach to organization and political affiliations throughout history, with the most pertinent association with the Iroquois League as one of the stronger developments. From this, there were associations with war, such as mourning wars, raids and responses to the attacks that were made from Americans. Each of these wars were combined with ceremonies, all which were designated to show a response to the raids and invasions that were occurring by the Americans (Oswalt, 392). A second tribe that showed an affiliation with the warlike attributes was The Netsilik, an Alaskan tribe known for seal hunting and as snowhouse Eskimos. This tribe is known for settling in the Arctic as one of the most exotic tribes. Each used the land in the area to create various types of shelter and to thrive on the resources of the land for warmth and survival. The Netsilik were known for using materials such as snow, wood and scarce materials for their survival and needs. The warfare that was used among this tribe was rare because of the communal approach that was used among families and communities. The conditions that were a part of the environment led to many working together in groups to ensure survival of those that were living in the specific conditions. When tensions did arise, the Netsilik were forced into a specific space. It wasn’t until recently that the land of these tribes was taken back from the government. Compared to the Iroquois, the Netsilik were not able to show the same level of adversity or warfare with their cultural identity. Instead, the focus was on creating a group identity and communal responses to what was occurring in the environment around them. The Iroquois; however, had a sense of leadership and organization for political agendas and as a response to the environment through the concept of warlike attributes. The difference between these two tribes is what gathered their main identity and association with lifestyle in contemporary society. The second aspect that can be seen with the different tribes is through the social organization of each of the tribes. Two of the tribes that can be compared are the Hopi and the Eastern Cherokee. The Hopi were known for their complexity of social, political and ceremonial concepts. Each of the actions that were taken for survival intertwined with social expectations as well as supernatural beliefs that were surrounding the tribes. The social organization was first based on the ceremonies and religious beliefs that were in society. The dwellings and the houses were built with this in mind as well, with the use of earthly resources to support and maintain the main structures used. Each of the completed dwellings was used as a communal way of living to enhance this specific lifestyle (308). The Eastern Cherokee can be compared to this with the main roles as farmers in the Southwest. The social organization was structured around the differences between women, wealth and prestige in society. To balance this, there was a definition of the individual role through different designs and artifacts that were placed on the body. The society was based around the creation of artifacts, with each in the social status holding a specific identity related to the production that was used in society (423). Unlike the Hopi, there was a sense of division and creation of communal organization through the social status. The Hopi differed from this with their basis of society based on a combination of communal living and the concept of spiritual aspects that united the community. The activities that followed with both in society created a different way that artifacts were presented as well as cultural identities that differed among both tribes. The gender roles that were associated in the different societies were also pertinent to the way that each of the individuals functioned. The Navajo and the Tlingit were two of the tribes that demonstrated these differences. The Navajo were known to be a hybrid concept of other tribes in the region and were not recognized as a separate tribe until the 1700s. The main concept of this nation was to be a tribe that held an identity of “the people.” This basis created the main influence over gender roles. Unlike other tribes, the Navajo didn’t have as distinct gender roles, which may have been associated with the late formation of this tribe. Instead, each of the individuals was responsible for the making of different artifacts, specifically through weaving and herding sheep. The family life was descended through the females in the family with the main role of the family becoming one that was communal in nature. Parental families and a balance between gender roles remained as a central concept among the Navajo (356). The older traditions of the Tlingit as salmon fishers created different gender roles that were required for this society. This particular tribe was also known as “the people,” however the dwellings were in the northern parts of America and consisted of different needs for survival. The difference between gender in society was based on status as well as the different roles that each had. For instance, the women would wear ornaments and piercings when they reached different stages of their life. Men would wear ornaments if they had gained a specific level of prestige, specifically through their contributions to society. The differences led to roles in society, with women who took care of the household and men that were responsible for the hunting and gathering in the community. The family life related to this with communal living that was divided among men and women with the female lines being the main tie to the household among various nations (275). Compared to the Navajo, there were more distinct lines and divisions between the roles of men and women as well as the representation of status in society according to the achievements of men and women. The living conditions and the expectations in society led to the differences between the two groups and created expectations and roles among the group. The cultural identity from the Navajo and the Tlingit varied because of the conditions for survival. However, there was also an understanding of the female lineage in the household and the relationship to domesticated activities held between women and men in each society. Variables in Art The artistic works that were a part of each of the tribes also created a difference in how each of the Native Americans was able to contribute to society. The first two samples seen with art are from the Crow and the Cahuilla. For the Crow, the main artistic works came through the warfare that was created. The input was from the celebration and ceremonial rights that came from defeating other nations, hunting and warriorship that was associated with this. The most common artifacts that were a part of the tribe were from the output to the warriors, such as shields, shafts and weaponry that was needed for different initiatives (216). The Cahuilla differed in their artistic works because of their main associations in society. The culture was based on hunting and gathering, as opposed to warfare. The artifacts and artistic works were made from baskets, pottery and the different aspects of life cycles that were celebrated in the area. Unlike the Crow, the associations with life cycles and the presentation of the supernatural became the main focus for artistic works. The crow differed from their main output because of the focus on warfare and the social status in society. The second groups of artistic works that can be defined are from the Hopi and Navajo. Both of these tribes were known to be a part of the desert and culture, which created some similarities in the artistic works that they created. The difference was based on the belief systems that were a part of each of the tribes. The Hopi based all of the artistic works on symbols that were a part of the community. The artifacts linked to this were based on survival and ceremonies that were used for the religious beliefs of the nation. This furthered into artistic works that represented the symbols of life and spirituality. The Navajo, while having some of these similar beliefs, also differed from the beliefs that were used. Specifically, the blankets and silver jewelry were more known among the tribes as craftsmanship that related to all areas of life. The concepts that are associated with this tribe are partly based on aesthetics and natural beauty as well as cultural affiliations with the tribe. The symbolism from the religious beliefs and cultural adaptations formed a different set of symbols and associations with nature from the Hopi while representing specific religious affiliations that were pertinent to the tribes. The input and output of art can also be seen between the Iroquois and Eastern Cherokee. The artistic works of the Iroquois were based on the concepts of structure and organization of communities, specifically seen in the symbolism and layout of the different tribal areas and villages. The artwork that related to this was not only seen in artifacts, but was also strongly associated with entertainment, ceremonies and rituals that were a part of the tribe. Music, sports and other forms of entertainment became central to the tribes and the ways in which they functioned. The input of this was based on the expressions of entertainment and community while the output was associated with the expressions of the tribe. The Eastern Cherokee differed from this because of their association as farmers. The artifacts and artwork used represented the status symbols of men and women in society. The artifacts that were associated with this were symbolic of lifestyle and needs in the community. Unlike the Iroquois, the association was with a different aspect of life. The Iroquois art work focused on communal living, structure of the tribe and the functions that each held. The Eastern Cherokee had a different output based on the needs and survival of the community as well as associations with the symbols of life that were a part of the community. Ceremonial Activities The ceremonial activities associated with this in a similar way. Three of the tribes that represent different ceremonies include the Western Shoshone, the Tlingit and the Natchez. The traditions of the western Shoshone were based on the cultural identities used for hunting and farming with overlooked aspects from shamans. Social events were combined with this with a strong spiritual basis that was a part of getting rid of evil and bringing in good to the community. The Tlingit also had shamans and witchcraft that was used for the community. However, the ceremonies were based on achievements and changes among those in the community to achieve different social status and to bring in good to the needs that were a part of survival within the community. While there was still a spiritual basis, there was also a definition of social representation and culture, divided by identities that included slaves, women, children and male achievements. The Natchez combined with both of these aspects with ceremony, including spiritual concepts and social status. However, they also included concepts of diversity and complexity. The ceremonies that were created were more diverse in nature, both with the way that individuals approached the ceremonial concepts and the identity that was a part of this. The input of each of these tribes had a spiritual basis. However, the different aspects of identity and social status changed the main functioning of each of the tribes. Another group that can be represented with the ceremonial aspects is the Lower Kootenai, Crow and the Navajo. For the Lower Kootenai, the ceremonies were a part of the conditions of society and what was expected from certain events. For instance, moving into war meant preparing for the battle through ceremonies. Marriage, associations with the life cycle and various events related to the ceremonies and often combined with supernatural occurrences that were a part of the ceremonies. The Crow had similar affiliations with ceremonies, specifically for blessings that were used before hunting. Celebrations were also affiliated with scalping, warriorship and the ability to win battles against others. The supernatural related to this, also similar to the Kootenai, specifically with representations from animals, spiritual beliefs and symbols that were a part of the ceremonies. The Navajo’s affiliation with ceremonies remained similar with the supernatural and the use of symbol with the different ceremonies. There was also an association with religious beliefs for blessings and for the activities that were performed. However, the Navajo’s were not a warrior tribe and associated more with ceremonies that were a part of life events to create a different approach to the celebrations. The similarities between all three were based on the events and occurrences that called for ceremonies. However, the output differed by the association with the ceremony, primary purpose and the symbolism that was used. Artifact Presentations There are several artifact presentations that show the cultural identity among tribes and the associations that are a part of each of the Native Americans. The first that can be seen is the Navajo sand paintings. The main aspect of these is the natural and supernatural that combine together to create the main picture and frame. The belief in aesthetics and the beauty of nature is often the framework for the Navajo sand paintings. The cultural identity that affiliates with this move into the supernatural beliefs that was associated with ceremonies and the lifestyle of the Navajo. The values that are formed from this are based on ceremonial configurations, supernatural concepts, beliefs that were a part of society and a representation of context through human failure and success. Each of these themes represented the cultural identity and was combined with the natural symbols that were a part of the tribe. The behaviors of society and the natural symbols were then able to combine with the supernatural beliefs that formed the cultural identity of the Navajo. The second artifact that is represented is the Seminole Chikee. The main concept of this was to use the resources and natural concepts that were a part of society to create what was needed. The artifacts that were used were primary for gathering, hunting and everyday needs in the community. However, there was also an understanding that the supernatural combined with each of the crafts that were made. The representation of natural symbols, patterns and reflections of nature were all incorporated into the Chikee artifacts to create a deeper understanding of cultural identity. This specific artifact can then be said to represent the cultural identity through the basic lifestyle and needs as well as through the beliefs represented through symbols and the supernatural. More importantly, the artifacts were able to move into the ceremonies and extra components that represented the same supernatural beliefs and lifestyle of the Seminole and created a stronger set of beliefs that were presented through the artifacts. The artifact was then able to represent the main identity that was built on the society of the Native Americans. References Oswalt, Wendell. (2006). This Land Was Theirs. New York: Oxford University Press. Read More