The Impact of the Appropriation and Commodification of “Art” on the Cultural Identification of American Indians in the States of Texas and New York, The Eagle Feather

2007 Issue

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The Impact of the Appropriation and Commodification of “Art” on the Cultural Identification of American Indians in the States of Texas and New York

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Author: Jaclyn Kuizon, SUNY Purchase College
Faculty Mentor:
Ann Jordan, Department of Anthropology and Dean’s Office, College of Public Affairs and Community Service, University of North Texas
Department:
Department of Anthropology, College of Public Affairs and Community Service
Bio:
Jaclyn Kuizon is a senior anthropology and visual arts student at SUNY Purchase College. At Purchase College, Jaclyn is the Executive Liaison of the Anthropology Club and the Public Relations Representative of the organization Latinos Unidos. She is interested in cultural anthropology, particularly varying Native American cultures and how they are affected by appropriation and commodification by mainstream cultures. She is currently an intern for the National Science Foundation Summer Research Methods Program at the University of North Texas, and has done previous research on the different subcultures formed among the employees at Walt Disney World. This past May, Jaclyn has been given the award for Outstanding Junior in Anthropology. She plans on attending graduate school in the fall of 2008 to attain her Ph.D. in either Cultural or Physical Anthropology.

Abstract:
This study examines American Indian artists’ self-identities and the factors that affect the way they identify. Two American Indian artists living or working in Texas and New York are compared in terms of how they define themselves as specifically American Indian artist. In-depth interviews were used to collect data for the project. Elements of self-identity that emerged from the interviews include the following: (1) art as a form of expression and resistance to domination of American Indians, (2) American Indian artists can correct stereotypes of native people through their art, (3) Indian artists may borrow cultural symbols from different tribes as a way of promoting Pan American Indianism, and (4) art of American Indians can reflect changes in traditions among the tribal people.

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