The American Indian
By Kaiti Fortenberry
Central Question
How did the Music of the American Indian influence Native American Society from pre-colonial to present day?
Native American Music varies from tribe to tribe, and is highly influenced by cultural and environmental changes. Oftentimes the music symbolized times of war, peace, courtship,nationalism, and initiation into manhood or womanhood.
For example the song "Silent River", below, is played using Native American flutes and rythmns. This is common for courtship and shamanism ( or healing).
Native American Music - Silent River
American Indian music changed with assimilation, dislocation, and religious conversions. The image below is an example Native American Assimilation after the Trail of Tears, and increasingly common during the Gilded Age and Progressive Era.
The Cherokee Morning Song below, is reflective of Native American Nationalism. Oftentimes the Cherokees would gather and sing the song together in an act of worship toward the Great Spirit in thanks for a good harvest and blessings. Currently, the Morning Song is sung to maintain Native American identity.
The new Cherokee morning song with translation
Land Conflicts
This image is reflective of the land disputes between the Natives and The United States government that continues today.
Religious Assimilation
The picture conveys the assimilation of Natives to the Christian faith. This has existed since the conquistadors established missions. This has influenced American Indian protestant hymns.
Native American Trade
Native Americans have been known to create arts and crafts in the traditional style primarily for trade. For example, the Hide With the Sun Dance by artist Cadzi Cody was created for livelihood.
The Best Powwow Song I Heard In A Long Time...
Translated: "Eastern door is watching the people that have landed Southern door is watching the people that have landed Western door is watching the people that have landed Northern door is watching the people that have landed Creator is watching the people that have landed
Powwows are celebrations to commemorate the Native American identity. These often take place once a year, with dances and songs that are passed down for generations. In fact, the singer above is singing a song passed down from his great great grandfather. Powwows have lasted for centuries, and still continue today.
Where Could I Go? (Navajo and Apache Hymnal Lyrics)
Native Americans were influenced by the spread of Christian music, however to remain true to the culture, Native Americans converted hymns into their own languages and styles. Interestingly enough, Malcolm Wenger created a Cheyenne Hymn Book of the various protestant Cheyenne songs. The song above is from the Navajo and Apache tribes and sung in their language.
Cherokee Nation
This political cartoon represents the tensions between the U.S. government. The image refers to the Supreme Court case Cherokee Nation v. Georgia.
Dawes Act Impact
The Dawes Act was highly controversial, taking away Native American Lands for the United States government and the pioneers in homesteading as well as the railroad. The concept of Manifest Destiny hurt the American Indians.
Stand in the Way of Demolition
This image represents the Native Americans attempts to prevent westward expansion that took away their food sources, land, and national identity
Synthesis Question
How has Native American music influenced modern day music styles?
American Indian music has been integrated into rock, blues, jazz, and even in modern celebrations such as the Mardi Gras Chant. Although Blues have been believed to have mostly African roots, interestingly it is tied to native american music in style and tonal qualities. It is believed that slaves and natives had integrated relationships. Similarly jazz and rock has some native american beat styles and is reflective of the culture.
Contemporary Powwows
This image portrays the modern influences of Native American heritage in music. The image displays a modern powwow and how it is celebrated.
American Indian Pride
This image emphasizes the American Indian pride as well as portrays how Native American culture influences popular culture, sports, and merchandise.
"He Lives in You"
The Native American culture has not died out, and is in fact a vibrant world where younger generations are taught to value their heritage and traditions.
Sharon Burch - Cradle Song
The musician Sharon Burch is a modern day composer that combines the Navajo songs and language into her compositions. Many of her songs are folk-rock establishing Navajo heritage into more contemporary styles. Similarly, the song "Nothing Finer than a Forty-Niner", by Tom Bee combines Native American instruments and styles into the composition. Native American influence has been found in a remarkable amount of contemporary music. Thus Native American Society and culture has greatly influenced modern day society.