When addressing Native American culture, spirituality and self-expression are two of the biggest things that come to mind. Having lived in a heavily Indigenous area such as the foothills/mountains of South Carolina, I was raised with a syncretic blend of various integrated cultures and customs. One such tradition was a series of self-reflection cards titled the "Medicine Cards". These cards represented countless Indigenous divination and spiritual beliefs through the guise of animals/creatures, which could then be used to provide anything between food-for-thought and spiritual wisdom during hard times. These readings, while sometimes loose in interpretation, can be directly traced back to traditional native teachings of the inherent wisdom within nature.
In Indigenous musical culture, the hoop dance can also be viewed as yet another one of their many forms of animal reverence and respect. Similar to the medicine cards, the custom of hoop dancing revolves around using animal symbolism as a means of interpretation and story-telling. By using the hoops to represent creatures such as eagles, alligators, and butterflies, traditional dancers can not only show off their skills and techniques, but further educate and preserve their music/dance culture as well. This example, the 2021 Virtual Hoop Dance Contest, shows their perseverance and dedication for keeping Indigenous tradition as well as the spirit of Pow Wow alive during COVID-19.
Lastly, I wanted to include Christian Parrish (also known as "Supaman") as my 3rd and final example of Indigenous culture. While the last two examples mentioned in this post contained trace elements of Syncretism, neither represented it as fluently and dynamically as him. It is through his unifying of Indigenous and American culture that he has gained an attentive and culturally diverse audience. In such a time of trials and tribulations, Christian Parrish stands as an example of the future for both Indigenous and global cultural evolution. By melding traditions together while still keeping each culture intact, Parrish is able to not only communicate through his art but inspire future artists to continue to develop spirituality as well as culturally.
Hi Sydney! The first subject was interesting since I haven´t heard about the Medicine Cards before. Spirituality seems to be a part of everything Native Americans do. One thing I think is really cool about the Native American culture is the dances and the regalia, so it was fun to see another kind of dancing. The hoop dance looked more difficult and complicated. It´s fascinating how animals play a so big role in their culture and are represented in many ways.
Hey Sydney! Wow, I've heard of Medicine Cards before but I don't know much about them. I didn't know that they were used for spiritual wisdom. Also, I agree with your third topic about "Supaman". I believe that he is keeping his culture alive while pressing forward into the future.
Hey Sydney! Wow, I've heard of Medicine Cards before but I don't know much about them. I didn't know that they were used for spiritual wisdom. Also, I agree with your third topic about "Supaman". I believe that he is keeping his culture alive while pressing forward into the future.
I remember when we listened to the artist "Supaman" in class, I loved how he joined modern culture and his own culture into one. He did such an amazing job keeping some traditional and very key elements while at the same time rapping!
Hi!I liked how you chose to research medicine cards. It was interesting to learn that they show self reflection. I thought it was interesting that they used hoops to represent different creatures.
Sydney, I loved your blog! I learned some new and interesting stuff! I definitely loved the medicine cards. You inspired me to look more into the details of it. From my interpretation of it, is. it sort of like the tarot card readings? Superman is now on my playlist! his syncretism is great and definitely shows his creativity!
Hi Sydney!
ReplyDeleteThe first subject was interesting since I haven´t heard about the Medicine Cards before. Spirituality seems to be a part of everything Native Americans do.
One thing I think is really cool about the Native American culture is the dances and the regalia, so it was fun to see another kind of dancing. The hoop dance looked more difficult and complicated. It´s fascinating how animals play a so big role in their culture and are represented in many ways.
Hey Sydney! Wow, I've heard of Medicine Cards before but I don't know much about them. I didn't know that they were used for spiritual wisdom. Also, I agree with your third topic about "Supaman". I believe that he is keeping his culture alive while pressing forward into the future.
ReplyDeleteHey Sydney! Wow, I've heard of Medicine Cards before but I don't know much about them. I didn't know that they were used for spiritual wisdom. Also, I agree with your third topic about "Supaman". I believe that he is keeping his culture alive while pressing forward into the future.
ReplyDeleteI remember when we listened to the artist "Supaman" in class, I loved how he joined modern culture and his own culture into one. He did such an amazing job keeping some traditional and very key elements while at the same time rapping!
ReplyDeleteHi!I liked how you chose to research medicine cards. It was interesting to learn that they show self reflection. I thought it was interesting that they used hoops to represent different creatures.
ReplyDeleteSydney, I loved your blog! I learned some new and interesting stuff! I definitely loved the medicine cards. You inspired me to look more into the details of it. From my interpretation of it, is. it sort of like the tarot card readings? Superman is now on my playlist! his syncretism is great and definitely shows his creativity!
ReplyDelete