NORTH AMERICAN TRIBAL ARTS AND CRAFTS: TOWARDS A NEW INTERPRETATION

This study seeks (1) to identify and evaluate an interpretation of tribal arts and crafts; (2) to demonstrate tribal strategies in the production of arts and crafts; to use these data as a means for comparison of such strategies; (3) to obtain and manage an anthropological understanding of native arts and crafts and of projects designed to promote traditional native arts and crafts. The research project investigates the problem inherent in (1) comparisons of material objects (primarily art objects) from similar cultures and from differing cultures and (2) changes through time in relationships between objects and their producers. World-wide sampling was used to establish correlations between levels of sociocultural integration and changes in arts and crafts strategies. Sampling cultures throughout the United States, the project explores characteristics of contemporary North American Indian arts and crafts. The project establishes (1) a general basis of tribe vs. state for the interpretation of arts and crafts; (2) defines the dimensions of tribal arts and crafts; (3) demonstrates the development of tribal arts and crafts after modernization; and (4) predicts trends for the future, with specific recommendations for planning.