The world of Native American art and crafts is rich with history, tradition, and complex cultural sensitivities. Understanding the nuances surrounding these objects, particularly when considering their sale, is crucial to avoid unintended disrespect. One common question that arises in this context is: Will Native Americans be offended if I sell a catlinite fetish effigy? This article delves into the multifaceted aspects of this question, exploring the cultural significance of fetishes, the sacred nature of catlinite, the legal considerations surrounding "Indian Made" labeling, and the varying perspectives within Native American communities.
What is a Fetish Effigy?
The term "fetish," as it’s used in the context of Native American art, refers to a carving, most often of an animal, that is believed to possess spiritual power. The original inquiry concerned a turtle effigy, labeled "Indian Made Pipestone Craft," prompting the question of its appropriateness for sale. Traditionally, these fetishes were created by Pueblo tribes and served as personal ceremonial objects. They were thought to embody the spirit of the represented animal, bestowing upon the owner qualities associated with that creature, such as good luck, protection, endurance, or other specific powers. Another term for a fetish carving is "effigy."
Historically, the creation of fetishes was deeply embedded in tribal traditions. Some Pueblo tribes, for example, only carved specific types of animal effigies, considering it taboo to create others. The Santo Domingo Pueblo is known for carving bird fetishes.
In contemporary times, the landscape of fetish creation has evolved significantly. Today, individuals from various Native American tribes, as well as non-Native artisans, produce fetishes for the tourist market and art collectors. While these items are often appreciated as artistic expressions, their significance as ceremonial objects has generally diminished. Fetishes are mass-produced in regions like Arizona, New Mexico, Mexico, and the Philippines.
The Issue of Cultural Appropriation
The proliferation of mass-produced fetishes raises concerns about cultural appropriation. Many Native Americans find the imitation and commercialization of their traditional arts offensive. However, there is also a complex reality within the Native American community. Some individuals may purchase these mass-produced items, sign them, and represent them as their own creations. This practice highlights the importance of verifying the authenticity and history of a fetish before attributing it to a specific artist or tribe. Without documented proof, the origin of a fetish can be difficult to ascertain.
The presence of a label indicating "Indian Made" does not guarantee authenticity. Such labels can be easily obtained and applied regardless of the actual maker’s identity. While the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 makes it illegal to falsely represent an item as "Indian Made," enforcement is often lax, and the law is frequently violated. Therefore, the label alone is insufficient evidence to determine the origin of the catlinite fetish effigy.
Catlinite: A Sacred Stone
The material from which a fetish is made can also influence its cultural sensitivity. In the case of the turtle effigy, the use of catlinite, also known as pipestone, is a significant factor. Catlinite is a unique red stone quarried exclusively at the Pipestone Quarry in Minnesota, a site held sacred by many Native American tribes.
Traditionally, catlinite is primarily used to create canupas, or pipe bowls, which hold immense ceremonial importance. Some traditionalists object to the sale of any object made from catlinite, regardless of its form. The Pipestone Quarry itself is considered a sacred site, and the sale of catlinite objects, even by Native Americans, is a controversial practice. The Yankton Sioux tribe, in particular, holds strong views on the sacredness of catlinite and its appropriate use.
The Pipestone National Monument, which encompasses the quarry, has a rich history intertwined with Native American legends and cultural practices. For centuries, tribes gathered at the quarry as a neutral zone to obtain pipestone. It was a place of peace, where different groups could come together without conflict.
Dakota Sioux tradition holds that the red color of catlinite originates from the blood of their ancestors, shed during a great flood sent by the Great Spirit to cleanse the earth. According to George Catlin, the Great Spirit declared that the red stone was their flesh and that it should only be used for pipes, emphasizing the sacredness of the material and the land.
The History of Pipestone National Monument
The path to establishing Pipestone National Monument was fraught with conflict and legal battles. The 1858 Treaty of Washington DC promised to keep the quarry open to the Yankton Sioux, but encroachments by white settlers in the 1870s threatened their rights. Despite the treaty, the government pursued plans to build a railroad and an Indian school on the quarry land, further undermining the Yankton’s claims.
In 1937, Pipestone National Monument was finally established, with the government agreeing to protect the area and allow the Yankton to continue using the quarry. However, disagreements persist regarding who has the right to quarry and sell pipes. The Yankton Sioux believe that quarrying should be limited to specific ceremonial use, while the Pipestone Native American community, a group descended from Dakota bands, argues that selling pipes is an acceptable adaptation of past customs of bartering.
The Specific Case of a Catlinite Fetish Effigy
Given the sacred nature of catlinite and the controversies surrounding its use, the question remains: Will Native Americans be offended if I sell a catlinite fetish effigy? While there is no single answer, here are some factors to consider:
- The intended purpose: Was the effigy created for ceremonial use, or was it made for the tourist market? If it was intended for ceremonial purposes, selling it would likely be considered disrespectful.
- The tribe: Different tribes have different views on the use and sale of catlinite. Understanding the specific tribal traditions associated with the effigy can help determine its cultural sensitivity.
- The seller’s intent: Is the seller aware of the cultural significance of the effigy and catlinite? Selling the effigy with respect and sensitivity can mitigate potential offense.
While catlinite is not commonly used to make fetishes due to its cost and limited availability, it is not unheard of. Pipe makers may utilize smaller scraps or flawed pieces of catlinite to carve fetishes rather than waste the sacred stone.
Determining the Value of a Fetish
The value of a fetish depends on several factors, including the detail of the workmanship, the artist’s reputation, the size of the fetish, and the quality of the stone used. A catlinite fetish effigy can range in value from a few dollars to hundreds, depending on these characteristics. In Elizabeth’s case, the value would depend on if the CB artist can be documented.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to sell a catlinite fetish effigy requires careful consideration of the cultural sensitivities involved. While selling a fetish is not inherently offensive, the use of catlinite, a sacred material, adds a layer of complexity. Understanding the history, traditions, and varying perspectives within Native American communities is essential to making an informed and respectful decision. Further research into the specific tribal affiliations associated with the effigy and the artist can provide valuable insights and help avoid unintended offense.