(Another post I pre-wrote before I left.)
Along the open area near the stairs on the third floor (I think it was third?) are the American Indian flags that were hung at the National Museum of the American Indian that I visited weeks ago. The American state flags of Oklahoma and Massachusetts use American Indian symbolism. They both have Indian symbols representing peace...ironic isn't it? There are at least 200 tribal flags identified and about 30 are in this photo. It is my understanding that some flag designs are still awaiting approval from the U.S. government to represent some smaller tribes. There are over 500 American Indian tribes!
As you probably understand the use of flags is a new type of representation for the American Indian, mostly begun within the last 50 years. Prior to this tribes were identified by costumes and totems. But since the U.S. requires identification for sovereignty the tribes went the way of the Europeans and developed flags.
According to vexillologist, Donald T. Healy, "Another major inducement for Native American peoples to adopt flags has been their increasing involvement in the gaming industry. More than ninety-five tribes now offer gambling in one form or another on federally recognized reservations. This has brought millions of visitors to lands they would never have thought to visit. With this massive influx of visitors tribes now find themselves in need of a readily acceptable symbol of sovereignty. Replies to surveys and phone inquiries in at least a dozen cases have directly attributed the adoption of a flag to the opening of a casino or bingo parlor. The impact of gambling upon the adoption of flags within the Native American community may be a unique occurrence in vexillological history." By the way, the study of flags is called vexillology.
In the above photo is the view that you get when you walk past all the flags and look down to the central lobby of the museum. This open area below is where you see and hear demonstrations of songs, instruments, and other culture activities throughout the day. And, I might mention that not all Indians are poor. The Pequot Indians of Connecticut were sufficiently wealthy that they donated ten million dollars to the Smithsonian Institution toward the construction of a this museum.
Nice and looks like interesting museum.
ReplyDeleteTribes in Oregon that have casinos or enough land are doing well. The casinos, to which I haven't contributed a penny, have made tribal members pretty wealthy if the casinos are close enough to Portland. They bring in country music stars or those from 'rock royalty,' have huge hotels, and generally rake it in. Their parking lots are often filled when we drive to the Coast.
The ones in Oregon farther from the city though haven't got it so good. They used to get more government grant money for developing businesses etc. before that got cut back. I think it all depends on how much land, how smart their managers are, and can they build a casino that rakes in the dough. ;)
Our tribes with Casinos are reinvesting their money in the community. I appreciate that form of advertising. They may be an hour out into the country, but they also bus the customers in. My favorite not only has a showroom, and giant casino, it has an indian themed shopping mall. Imaginary indian with piped in music around all those discount stores.
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit this interesting museum.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo you took from above.
I learned a new word! i wonder if it will come up in conversation someday.
ReplyDeleteWildhorse casino near here by Pendleton, Oregon and has a golf course, movie theater, hotel, and beautiful museum with an old style village build on the grounds. They contribute to the entire economy in this area, jobs, education, and support for civic events.
ReplyDeleteI can't help but wonder why the U.S. Government has to approve their flags.
Vexillology! I 've learned something today. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteStudy of flags can be fascinating in its own way. It does make me wonder how groups that traditionally never had such a thing would go about deciding what representative images they want.
ReplyDeleteinteresting about the flags.
ReplyDeleteit is such a cool place...i like the little 'river' that runs outside....its a sad reality what was done to the indians with our national conquest....i have never been to a reservation, though i would like to...
ReplyDeleteI can’t help but be a bit sad that the native Americans have gone the way of modern times and lost so much of their tribal associations.
ReplyDeleteBut of course, progress happens and you can’t stay in a picturesque past.
We went to that museum the last time we were in D.C. and had to check out the exhibit from Hawaii. It wasn't big, but it was represented. I was happy to see that.
ReplyDeleteWe have many tribes (and casinos) in my state and I had no idea of about all of the different flags. Fascinating!
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