The start of November officially marks Native American Heritage Month, a month dedicated to celebrating the Indigenous communities around the world. This signifies the celebration of Native American culture, history, and art. In the United States, there are more than 570 tribes that are federally recognized. In Fairfield itself there were two main tribes: the Pequot and the Paugusetts, while in all of Connecticut there were also the Mohegans and the Schaghicoke. Each one of these tribes had a distinct and rich culture that is important to acknowledge at this time.
History of the Natives in Connecticut
The Natives in Connecticut faced a lot of hardships, especially when European settlers started encroaching on their lands. Initially the settlers engaged in relatively peaceful trade with the Natives, but tensions started to arise, which led to the Pequot War in 1636. The war was initiated when two English traders were killed by the allies of the Pequots. John Endicott went to go ask for the murders, but instead burned the entire village, continuing his massacre down the shore. In retaliation the Pequot started raiding English settlements. Devastatingly, there were only 200 Pequots that survived, out of their population of 3,000. and out of the 3,000 that were originally in that area only 200 survived.
Native American Art
Many contemporary Native American artists combine Native American aspects of life with contemporary art. In 2023, the National Gallery of Art included an exhibition called “The Land Carries Our Ancestors” which highlighted the historical struggles of Native Americans, seen through contemporary art. Some of the pieces rely heavily on Native American styles such as wood cutting and nature, while others use a more abstract style that portrays areas of struggle like land, and diaspora. To find some of the selections click here
Traditional art is very diverse and often incorporates aspects of nature. Northeastern art includes, carved shells, decorated clothing ornaments, and stone sculptures of deities. Many of the clothing ornaments include bark, leaves, or seeds.
Native American Culture
Native American culture is very rich, with the practicing traditions varying by each tribe. For instance, the Pequot people participate in the making of Wampums. A Wampum is a beaded belt made from purple and white shells that is not worn, but instead used to document history and the world around them. Each piece reflects a tribe’s unique traditions and designs often carrying spiritual meanings or historical importance.
Another tradition followed by many Native American tribes is the drum circle. Often, a drum circle happens during a celebration or ceremony. Men will drum, while women stand inside the circle singing or chanting. The drums represent the heartbeat of Mother Earth, uniting the tribe. Spiritually, the drum circle symbolizes unification of the body and mind.
During this month, it is important to take some time to honor the vibrant cultures, rich histories, and enduring contributions of Native American tribes. By supporting communities, amplifying their voices, and continuing to learn about their rich history, we honor their legacy and ensure that their story will be told for generations to come.
