Myths Home and Self-Portraiture

Wendy Red Star, Montana Native and member of the crow tribe, showcased her culture through photography and multimedia art.  She expressed how the native American culture intersected with the ways of America. She incorporated the importance of history, family, feminism, race and culture. Through these exhibits, she puts into perspective the effect that the U.S government had on the Crow Tribe. The borders or “boundaries” that the U.S. government put in place for the tribe, still did not strip the crow tribe of their identity or native traditions. The songs they sang, the clothing they wore, the gatherings they had, their hair, the beads, feathers, tipis and hats were all a part of their identity and culture despite the influence of mainstream America. In some of the portraits, the natives were labeled by their year of birth, when they were married, what they wore, and how the American influence has effected them. Within the label of one portrait it stated, “My body sold to a collector for $500 and kept for 72 years at the American Museum of natural history.” Another portrait had a label that stated, “I am not a fan of the white man.” These exhibits express in detail how the influence of the U.S. government and the mainstream American had on those natives. Although it might have changed their way of thinking and changed their normal way of running their tribe, they never lost their identity or their culture. It also depicts how the people of the Crow tribe incorporated mythology into their beliefs. They believed that certain songs and dances would bring about or change certain aspects of their life. They also wore articles of clothing or feathers that represented different things. For example, in one portrait, a small girl wore a feather that represented knowledge.

            After watching the film produced by Kambui Olujimi, I was unsure how to unpack all that was shown. However, the themes of mythology, constellations, time travel, and feelings were all shown. It also incorporated beautiful music with a narrator.