Ojibwe Art and Dance

Ojibwe Art

When most people think of art, the first things that come to mind are objects in a museum. They think of paintings or sculptures that they can admire — but only from afar. Rarely do people think of art as something that is a part of what they use everyday. But that’s how Ojibwe People have traditionally viewed their art.

In the Ojibwe culture, it has always been important to make objects that are used everyday as beautiful as possible. That’s because everything people make is out of respect for the Great Spirit. Long before the Europeans came to North American, Indian people would use objects from their natural surroundings to make things they needed. They would then incorporate the area’s landscape in the designs that they put on them. For example, a container might be made of birchbark and then decorated with flowers special to the area. That way, the container was both useful and beautiful.

An important aspect of these designs was the individuality behind each one. Every design was an expression of someone’s creativity, and people did not have to be artists to express themselves.

Indian tribes across North America traded ideas and materials with one another. The Ojibwe, who eventually settled in the wooded areas of the upper midwest, were known nationwide for their floral designs. Tribes who settled in the southwest and other regions had their own designs. The tribes learned from one another and often experimented with one another’s art forms.

Today, Ojibwe art continues to flourish thanks to Elders, such as Mille Lacs Band member Batiste Sam, and a new generation of artists, such as Band member and Grand Casino Hinckley Associate Steve Premo. Batiste Sam is famous worldwide for her beading designs, and Steve Premo is renowned locally for his wildlife and American Indian themes.

Indian Art: Authenticity

In recent years, Indian art has dramatically increased in popularity. Dream catchers are seen everywhere, as are birchbark baskets, beaded jewelry, and medallions. As demand has increased, countries like China and Indonesia have started producing replicas of popular Indian art items. But, the replicas are not made with the same care, nor are they the result of a unique Indian culture that has been producing art throughout history.

The Indian culture believes that everything is a gift from the Great Creator and that they should make the most out of everything they have. Crafting beautiful pieces of art, using supplies that nature has provided, has always been an important part of Indian tradition.

Southwestern Indians use turquoise and silver to craft beautiful and intricate jewelry. Indians who live near the North Coast carve wood and design pieces of art using shells from the ocean. And Northwood Indians make baskets and other items out of the abundant bark of birch trees.

Making the most out of what you have also involves taking great care to turn common objects into art that is pleasing to the eyes. Pipestone peace pipes are carved and then lined with eagle feathers, quills, and beadwork, and moccasins and ceremonial dresses are adorned with colorful beads.

Since the arrival of Europeans, Indians have crafted their now famous star quilts. Before that time, garments were fashioned out of buckskin and soft hides, because cotton and silk materials were not available. However, after the Indians were introduced to these fabrics, it seemed natural to craft beautiful blankets out of the material that was available.

Today, as Indian art penetrates popular culture, the billion dollar American Indian arts and crafts market is experiencing growing sales of replica products being represented as produced by American Indians. In response to this, Congress passed the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990. This is essentially a truth-in-advertising law designed to prevent marketing products as "Indian made" when the products are not, in fact, made by a federally recognized or state-recognized tribe. This unfortunately establishes the whiteman's government as the arbiter of who is "Indian". Little Shell had refused to accept the pittance offered for his band's huge lands and even though the Band won in the Indian Claims Court, the money was never paid and they were never recognized.

It is often difficult to determine if Indian art is authentic or whether it is a replica. Precautions can be taken to ensure that you are getting the real thing. Be cautious of who you are buying it from and make sure to check the item for the word "authentic." This word signals that you are receiving a true piece of American Indian culture.

Powwows

A powwow is a celebration of Indian heritage and tradition which originated thousands of years ago. Indian People gather with family and friends to celebrate life, to give thanks to all the Creator has given, to enjoy traditional food and activities, to hear the words of Elders, and to sing and dance.

Two exciting powwows take place on the Mille Lacs Reservation each summer. At the annual competition powwow in Hinckley, Indians from all over the Midwest enter singing and dancing contests. Some of the dances performed include traditional, fancy, jingle and grass dances. In addition, participants sing traditional songs and introduce new songs accompanied by drums.

Attendees also enjoy a top-notch rodeo starring the best Indian riders in the country. Because so many people in the region love horsemanship, Hinckley is an ideal location for the event. American Indian cowboys come from all over the United States come to participate in the rodeo and to meet other participants.

The power and beauty of Indian culture also is celebrated at the Mille Lacs Iskigamizigan (Maple Sugar Bush) powwow grounds on the shores of Mille Lacs Lake in August. Participants tell stories through intricate dances, dazzling outfits, and stirring songs. To serve visitors who come from all over the United States and Canada, the Band has created a camping ground and picnic tables as part of the powwow grounds.

Although powwows are American Indian celebrations, the Mille Lacs Band invites people of all backgrounds to come share in these unique cultural events. Admission is free to both events.

Braves' Dance, Ojibwa, 1835–37 Ojibwe/Chippewa by George Catlin