Post#4- Catlin's View Of Native American Culture Through Art

George Catlin was an artist who travelled West from the 1830s to the 1850s to observe Native American culture and shared his views through paintings. In his painting "Pigeon's Egg Head" (1837-1839) Catlin gives the message that civilization destroys Native American culture.

"Pigeon's Egg Head" (Left)

"Pigeon's Egg Head" is a "before and after painting" if you will. To the left is a before image of Wi-jun-jon (Pigeon's Egg Head). He is dressed in a buck skin suit, feathers, and is holding some sort of ceremonial intrument. This clothing is of a proud Indian who exhibits his culture through his dress. On the right we see Wi-jun-jon dressed in a general's uniform, high heel boots, top hat, with bottles of whiskey in his back pockets. In the "before" Wi-jun-jon is facing Washington, D.C., where he is to travel. On the right side, or the "after" version of Wi-jun-jon, he is back from being exposed to civilization and is now an image western civilization. On the "after" side we see no Indian heritage, it has been destroyed by civilization.   

The Native Americans were very proud people. Proud of their culture, people, and land. When whites began to push for a removal bill the Indians "...enacted the death penalty for any member who sold tribal lands to whites without consent of the governing general council."[1]  The Indians fought for their culture but the white influence was too expansive. "Cherokee society had become more stratified and unequal, just as white society, and economic elites dominated the tribal government." "...slavery became harsher and a primary means of determining status, just as southern white society."[2] 

Catlin's message that civilization destroys Native American culture agrees with history. The Indians were forced to leave their land due to the removal bill passed in 1830 or to conform due to migration and incursions. 

Catlin at age 52 (Left)

For a short biography on George Catlin visit http://monet.unk.edu/mona/artexplr/catlin/catlin.html

1. Nation of Nations (p.294)

2. Nation of Nations (p.294)

Comments

[Lane Ditto]

I really liked how you added another picture of Catlin's and gave a link to a short biography. It shows you did your research!

In further posts, make sure you check for typos. Instrument is spelled wrong in the second paragraph. The third paragraph seems to be full of quotes and though they seem to prove your point, I think it needs more of your perspective. Lastly, the conclusion seems weak. I would try to bulk it up a bit and make sure to end it nicely. The last sentence leaves the reader hanging. Hope this is helpful:)