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Native Cultures Have Been Studied And Depicted In Many

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Native cultures have been studied and depicted in many forms since the 1500s. Vast amounts of information throughout the years have been formulated to represent the unique and individual native cultures around the world. Most of the information collected about native cultures was represented in various ways, from paintings, sculptures, wood carvings, and eventually in museums. Unfortunately, most of the material displayed in these art forms was inaccurate, either through presenting false or dramatized information. From the beginning, these cultures were thought of as the past, non-evolving, prehistoric peoples. Though they certainly still existed, as they do today, they were not used for their knowledge and opinions in representing their …show more content…

The first cabinet that the objects were confiscated and viewed by the public was at the close of the eighteenth century, American Indian artifacts were among the objects. “Exotic colonials” was still the popular theme for Europeans and Euro-Americans. (20) Not only were Europeans interested in displaying Native American artifacts, the Native Americans were themselves. The Cherokee Indians of Georgia were the first record of interest in starting a museum in 1826. However, this venture didn’t pan out and they decided against it. A few years later in New York, a Seneca tribe family designed their home for a public display of objects from their culture (224). World’s fairs were the upcoming attractions of the 19th century. This was another area where native cultural was presented to the public through materials found (20). The first world’s fair was organized in London in 1851. The fair consisted of thousands of different and unique exhibits based on themes from all around the world. Native peoples of North America were featured in the Canadian section of the fair. The Native people’s section was referred to as “Canadian savages” in the guidebooks they offered to guests. The exhibits were influenced by the colonist’s interpretation and attitudes of the Native American cultures. The overall theme was showing visitors of their daily life and cultures being less value than their own Europeans counterparts. (21) Over in

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