Explore Activities Related to Indians in "Main Street"

The Squaw Sachem Sells Her Land to John Winthrop (courtesy of the Town of Winchester, MA)

1. Explore Activities Related to “Main-Street”

A.) Images of American Indians

Make some observations on the portrayal of American Indians and the Indian-White relationship in these 19th century illustrations and art works. Categorize the ways Indians are presented during this period. As you view the images, it's important to remember that they present Indians through Euro-American imagination and ideology. Consider the following questions while analyzing individual illustrations or art works: What is emphasized in the work? What ideas and values are evident? What emotions does the work appeal to or communicate?

• The Death of Jane McCrea, by John Vanderlyn
• Massacre of Settlers by the Indians
• Encounter With Indians
• Rescue Group, by Horatio Greenough
• The War Dance, By The Ojibeway Indians, by George Catlin
• A Sioux War Party, by George Catlin
• Waapashaw, Sioux, by McKenney & Hall
• Ash-E-Taa-Na-Quet, A Celebrated Chipppeway Chief, by James Otto Lewis
• Wanata, Sioux Indian Chief, by McKenney & Hall
• The White Cloud, Head Chief of the Iowas, by George Catlin
• Buffalo Bull's Back Fat--Head Chief, Blood Tribe, by George Catlin
• Chief of the Blood Indians, War Chief of the Piekann Indians, Koutani Indian, by Karl Bodmer
• The Trapper's Bride, by Alfred Jacob Miller
• Indian Girl, by Hiram Powers
• The Indian Beauty, by Currier and Ives
• The Last of the Wampanoags, by G. I. Brown
• American Progress, by John Gast
• Indian Chief Contemplating the Progress of Civilization, by Thomas G. Crawford [MMD 2415]

B.) The following websites provide additional American art images and articles on American art history.

• American Art History-Selected Images (Choate American Studies Program): See "The Captivity Myth" and "Native Americans in Early American Art."
• Smithsonian American Art Museum
• American Art History Resources & Distinguished Artists Series

C.) Artwork by American Indians of the Northeast

In the oral cultures of American Indians, artwork serves as a visual language that expresses the lives and worldviews of the people. Through signs and symbols, function and form each work speaks or tells a story rich in history and belief. Study the following images and observe on the form and design of each; consider the materials, as well. Describe what you find aesthetically pleasing or interesting. Explain how the object provides insight into the lifeways and culture, the beliefs and values of the creator. Make note of symbols or decorative motifs that you see as important or puzzling. In the 19th century, Euro-American ideas of "art" defined American Indian creations as "craft"-expressions of the primitive or naïve-not as sophisticated as the "high" art of the Western world. Do you agree? Collectively, how might these works, tell a different story, and offer an alternative view to the "official" white explanations of Indians and early American history?

• Black Stone Bear. Igneous Rock. Pawtucket
• Deerskin Pouch with Fur, Porcupine Quills, and Metal Chimes. Pawtucket
• Chief's Collar, Penobscot
• Hunting Coat, Delaware or Shawnee
• Moccasins with Blue and Red, Iroquois
• Box, Montagnais
• Oval Box, Micmac
• Cradleboard, Ojibwa
• Tray, Huron
• Ball Head Club, Iroquois
• Powder Horn, Penobscot
• Burden Strap, Iroquois
• Two-Tone Porcupine Weave Basket, Barbara D. Francis, Penobscot
• An 18-Foot Reproduction Birch Bark Canoe
• Old Style Penobscot Indian Birch Bark Canoe

D.) The following websites and links provide additional images of American Indian art and articles on American Indian traditions and artistic expression.

• From "Reading the Signs" by David W. Penney
• Native American Art (MSN Encarta Encyclopedia Article)
• Native American Art: Overview (Saddleback College Seminar)
• Native American Indian Art
• The Indians of the Northeast (Culture Area)