Heritage - Re-visited And Shared

Heritage is something we talk about quite often, gang, but what is it, exactly, and what does it matter? We refer to the collective belongings, experiences, customs and traditions of a group of people (races, nationalities, religions) as their "heritage" but what does that really mean? What are the influences of those things and are they restricted to only those groups? Some time ago astronomers and physicists observed that there were places in the universe that appeared to be empty but that nearby objects - and even light rays - were affected in ways that would normally occur in the presence of other objects. This ultimately led to the development of the theory of "dark matter", a substance now thought to comprise the majority of the universe even though it could not be seen. Of course not everyone can agree on what creates the effect we see (those who support a "Modified Newtonian Dynamics" theory for one) but all affirm that does exist. So? Does that matter? We'll, here's my point in raising such an esoteric concept; if the stars, the planets, the comets and even the radiation they emit can be affected by something we can't see then is it not reasonable to think that we humans could be affected in the same way? I happen to think we are.


And some of the invisible things that affect us are the countless cultural - heritage - influences in which we are immersed even when we cannot see them. For that reason the SCTravelersX3 have come to believe that it is really important to take the time to learn about the 'heritage' of others. We might just be learning more about ourselves. It was with that in mind that we took time for a brief outing at my alma mater the University of South Carolina in Columbia. We had heard of a new exhibit at the venerable McKissick Museum and headed into town to see "Traditions, Changes and Celebration: Native Artists Of The Southeast." Those of you who have traveled with us for a while might recall our visits to Native American, Aboriginal Canadian and Alaskan cultural sites, heritage centers and communities around North America. The exhibit at U.S.C. Had struck a chord with us because it was not so much a display of past glories as it was a celebration of the renewed interest in - and re-kindled skills to produce - the art and technology of craftsmen and women of long ago. The visit was doubly nostalgic for me since I not only attended college here but did a lot of my studying at what was then McKissick Library - now a museum.


Talk about feeling ancient!! We began at Osborne Administration Building parking area which was located near many of the buildings in which my classes were held in the olden days. It is also right next door to the museum!


McKissick also houses several permanent exhibits and many amazing items and artifacts from every stage of the history of our state but the Southeast Native exhibit was really special. It was apparent upon entering the exhibit area that this was not to be a collection of dusty old treasures. One of the first displays showed some contemporary items of clothing using old techniques but a also included a costume from the "Miss Indian World" contest.


But although the clothing items included costumes that were relatively new you could clearly see the resurrection of ancient techniques in the garments. And some demonstrated the old techniques used in spectacularly modern styles and colors. And still others were faithful recreations of unique styles developed for highly specific purposes such as this jacket intended for a Medicine Man.











Many of the techniques on display were performed by members of the various tribes who went to great lengths to faithfully perfect the old ways. The same level of dedication was quite evident in all of the implements, instruments and furnishings created by these remarkable artisans. It immediately brought to mind the efforts made by Seattle restaurateur William Hewitt to help Native Americans re-learn ancient skills when he undertook creation of Tillicum Village on Blake Island in Puget Sound for the Seattle World's Fair. You might recall our post when we talked about how Hewitt and famed glass sculptor Dale Chihuly created an amazing learning environment for talented young Native Americans from across the country and likely prevented the loss of many of the artistic skills we enjoy so much today.


Like so many other locations South Carolina has seen a resurgence in cultural identity and the number of recognized Native American tribes or tribal groups has risen from only one just a few years ago to twelve today. They include the Beaver Creek Indians, the Edisto Natchez-Kusso, the Pee Dee, the Santee, the Sumter Tribe of the Cheraw, the Waccamaw, the Wassamasaw Tribe, the Chaloklowa Chickasaw, the Eastern Cherokee, the Southern Iriquois, the Natchez and the Pee Dee Indian Nation of Beaver Creek. The tribes are graphically - and beautifully - depicted on the beautiful quilt shown above which was designed and sewn by Elise Taylor Goins - a representative of the Cherokee and whose family has been highly instrumental in promoting tribal art. Another impressive fabric art work by Denise Walters, representative of the Nottoway Tribe of Virginia, shows The Tree of Life.


The detail on this particular piece is not highly visible in the photograph and it is a lot more impressive when you can study it closely. Throughout the exhibit there was a feeling of energy and youth and it was quite refreshing to see fabric artworks by people like Goins and Walters along with the amazing Choctaw beadwork done by Roger Amerman, beautiful corn husk dolls by MaryLee Prescott of the Iriquois-Oneida and intricately decorated beaded accessories by Judy Maria Bynum of the Tuscarora. Still other items such as the exquisitely woven sweetgrass implements done by Cherokee artist Amanda Allen look brand new but were actually made more than a hundred ten years ago and used regularly during the last years of her long life. In a poignant juxtaposition, Amanda's work sits side-by-side with the remarkably beautiful pine-needle weaving of Loretta Oxendine of the Lumbee which was done just a few years ago.











The beauty and power on display in these incredible works was quite moving but the experience was highlighted and underscored by the presence of numerous kiosks where visitors can watch video presentations of tribal representatives giving first-hand accounts of their work, their legends, their lives and their families. A large theater presents on-going folk-tales which have been passed down by story-tellers for centuries and numerous written descriptions of tribal specialties and characteristics can be found at every display. They explain the background and usages of countless tools, toys, musical instruments and religious items.











One cannot see this awesome display of talent and intelligence and not have profound respect for the enduring tenacity of our Native American brothers and sisters; for in their work we hear echoes and feel the reverberations of those spirits who, like the influence of 'dark matter' on the universe, have touched our lives as well. And, I must tell you - during the course of our visit we also took the time to visit some of the nooks and crannies of this wonderful old building where, as an undergraduate I spent so many rewarding hours among the collected works of wisdom. It made me wonder what whispered inquiries of mine still ricocheted from the walls of McKissick. So yes, it was a nostalgic visit for many reasons. The good thing for all of us is - the exhibit will continue for about a year so if you are near Columbia and have an opportunity, please take advantage of this excellent, free exhibit. I know you will find the visit rewarding and along the way, while you are learning about the Southeastern Tribes, I feel pretty sure you will learn something about yourself as well. See ya.

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