I am fascinated with the process in which white Americans came to define themselves in their process of becoming americanized, rather than just being Europeans that came here to steal land. We can have an insight into this long labor of self definition in the painting below. On first viewing we see that Corn Planter is not wearing his traditional chief outfit for this "art." He is dressing in the fashion of his conquerers, outside of paintings it is unlikely he wore garments and armor of that sort. The chief's job was to be the leader of hunting, male games, and when necessary war, at work he would ordinarily dress for mobility. Corn Planter is dressing up, but for whom?
This is a painting created for the art market, and Corn Planter must present an idealized image that conforms not with his people's traditions, but with the artists understanding of his market. Who was the intended consumer of this cultural artifact. What does it tell us about the European conquerers who were yearning to be both american natives, and enlightenment citizens of a new republic. Do we find echoes of the white Americas need to play Indian in order to become americanized in contemporary Unitarian Universalism? How about such activities as the following: "Native Drumming Classes will be held on Wednesday in the parish hall" or, "the youth will doing a sweat this weekend, and invite adult allies support."
How was Elvine Cornmen.
Canter