Two Diffferent Environments

Indigenous American Art: The Exterior World 🌲

​For many Indigenous American cultures, the environment is not a backdrop but a fundamental part of existence. Their art often portrays a world where humans, animals, plants, and spiritual forces are all interconnected and interdependent. The land is sacred, a living entity that holds ancestral stories and provides sustenance. This holistic worldview leads to art that prioritizes the exterior and the natural world.

• ​Connection to the Land: Indigenous art forms, such as petroglyphs, pottery, weaving, and totem poles, are often created from natural materials and depict elements of the natural world. Animals, spirits, and landforms are not just subjects; they embody the essence of the land and hold spiritual significance. The art is not about separating from the environment but about expressing an intimate, sacred relationship with it.

• ​Art as a Narrative and Functional Tool: Unlike the Western concept of "art for art's sake," much of Indigenous art is deeply functional and ceremonial. It serves to teach history, map ancestral territories, or invoke spiritual power. The natural world is the primary source of these stories and symbols. For instance, a ceremonial mask might be carved from a living tree, signifying a deep and ritualistic connection to the land.

​In conclusion, the differing portrayals of interior and exterior environments in Western and Indigenous American art are more than just stylistic choices. They are visual expressions of two distinct worldviews: one that sees humanity as an inhabitant and modifier of constructed spaces, and another that sees humanity as an integral, inseparable part of the natural world.