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| Zuni Weaving and Pottery The production of art resonates strongly among native people, in part because it is so connected to cultural identity and, in many cases, religious practice. Often the mere presence of native artists makes an important political statement about the resistance of a people’s values to usurpation by the dominant culture. If all art has a strong cultural component, it is important to think about the ways in which Indian arts and crafts are significantly different from those created by other Americans. There are many issues relating to craft production among native people. What follows is a look at only three specific societies. With the Zuni, a people highly identified with art, one may come to understand that core cultural and spiritual values are expressed through artistic design, execution, and display. Naturally, as Zuni society continues to evolve, so do artistic techniques and themes, yet the place and meaning of art remain central. It is no coincidence that at Zuni, art production is nearly ubiquitous. Zuni Weaving Weaving is one of the most ancient of Zuni arts. Textiles were finger or loom woven and decorated with paint or embroidery. Finished products included a variety of items, such as clothing, straps, and bags. Ancient raw materials such as plant and animal fibers were largely replaced in about 700 when cotton arrived from the south and west. In the sixteenth century the Spanish brought sheep, which provided wool, another new material. The Spanish also introduced metal knitting needles and new design forms. Later commercial cloth and synthetic dyes became available as raw materials. |
