|
|
|
Indian of the Americas
 |
|
| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
| Moorpark College held a powwow for native American Indians to exhibit their dancing. The sun was boiling hot, the Indians performed tradional dances all day to an incessant drum beat. Christopher Columbus had thought he had discovered India, so he called the locals Indians, for which they still remain named to this day. (I do not know this tribe????) |
japiey, xuaxo has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekEarth members may rate photo notes. |
|
|
|
- japiey
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1826 W: 334 N: 2568]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(9295) - [2007-08-11 11:20]
-
Hi Gloria.
Excellent image.
Beautifull colours.
Lovely expressions.
A great study of culture in frame.
TFS.
regards,
jean paul
Hi Gloria,
A shot like this makes you wonder. How much is actually left of the old traditions of the Indians? It looks like an indian, but in the same time it also doesn't. And it's not just the sunglasses I have my doubts about... The fabric of his outfit looks like it's not that traditional, but has a bigger chance to come from a Chinese or Indonesian sweatshop. The feathers look real, but all the other accessoiries he is wearing look nothing different from the ones you'd see in the Netherlands during carnival - mass produced in Taiwan...
Since I was really curious I looked around on the internet:
"One of the main objectives is the creation of Redbird Ranch, an elder and transitional housing facility for Native American elders and their care giving families as they near their end of life phase. Redbird Ranch will provide a culturally sensitive and appropriate setting for these families during this difficult period."
"The round dance, which is a friendship dance, has easy steps, and people are encouraged to join, she said. Vendors selling American Indian jewelry, crafts and foods will be on hand..."
Nothing wrong with native Indians exploiting their cultural heritage to raise money and be able to develop a home for elderly indians. A for-profit powpow set up by a not-for-profit organization in that sense. But how much is actually left of their cultural heritage?
It's like me walking on wooden clogs and putting my finger in a dike for picture opportunities and to raise money. It might make a good story and money, but there would be very little traditionally Dutch about it ;-).
Nice shot, stirring up some thoughts! Greetings,
Dennis
-
- xuaxo
(3971)
- [2007-08-24 9:59]
- [+]
Hi Gloria,
I read Dennis' critique and I read your reply, and I've got no conclusion.
I saw also a little of the Navajo Reservation, I did buy some pottery (real Navajo?). I saw also some performing dances for tourists' cameras in Tijuana, Mexico.
After all that I still don't know what to say about the situation of the Indians of the Americas.
F
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 338 W: 0 N: 1608]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-n-g.gif){kind=small}