Is There a Native American Art History Canon? Is It a Good Idea?
Session will present: On locationWhile the framing of art history survey courses has gradually shifted from a core focus on Western Civilization emanating from Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean regions to a more global view, the North American continent remains marginalized. Some American art history texts now incorporate Native American works into their narrative, but do Native Americans identify with being part of the United States' cultural history? Current textbooks for Native American art focus disproportionately on the post-contact era with minimal coverage of the millennia that came before. Why? Archaeologists, who do not generally prioritize artistic achievement in their research, have been the main contributors to studies of the pre-contact era in North America. Given recent contributions to the field from an increase in Native scholars working in museums and academic institutions, this panel seeks to understand and help define the current best practices for teaching Native American art history. We invite papers that assess what can and should be shared, when, and who has authority over cultural domains, along with consideration of what themes, ideas, artworks, and frameworks are currently considered best practices to enhance the appreciation and understanding of Native American art history.
Keywords:
Topics: Native American/First Nations
Geographic Area: North America
Topics: Indigenous Peoples
Topics: Art History
Topics: Ancient Americas
Chairs:
Karen Kessel
and
Alicia Lynn Harris, University of Oklahoma
Abstract Submissions Closed