Dig It - 6/6/24

Well Fellow Seekers, this is something I might know a little about. Maybe. In 1993, I wrote a book about American Flag imagery entitled, “The Flag in American Indian Art”. I had just left Morning Star Gallery where I met Gene Thaw, possibly the greatest art dealer of the latter 20th century. I only had about six months to research and write the book. American Flag imagery is found mainly in Lakota Beadwork from the late 1800s. Until my research, this beadwork was dismissed and associated only with Wild West shows and tourist souvenirs. I wondered why Native Americans would want to wear the symbol of their oppressors? Using ethnographies, journals, and primary sources like Amos Bad Heart Bull’s illustrations of Lakota life and ceremonies, I was able to answer this very complex question.

First, the Lakota’s favorite colors are red, white and blue and star imagery is found extensively in their myths and designs, so I think they found the Flag attractive. Second, in the late 1800s, the U.S. Govt. outlawed many of their ceremonies such as the Sun Dance. However, some old ceremonies were allowed on the 4th of July “Frontier Days” celebrations where the Flag was prominently displayed. The flag was used in the beadwork made to be part of “Give Aways”, an important part of Lakota ceremonies. My research also found that some beadwork had Lakota names associated with the flags, these names were "Progressive" Lakotas allied with the U.S. Govt. After Wounded Knee, wearing the American flag meant, "Don't shoot! I'm a good Indian." In my book, you can find several other ideas about why the Native Americans used the U.S. flag in their designs.

These gauntlets display a pictorial style which is associated with the Eastern Sioux or Dakotas; however, the geometric borders suggest they are Lakota or Western Sioux. Dakota styles were adopted by the Lakota in the late 1800s, possibly through intermarriage or just for something new. I love the delicacy of the beadwork. The roosters, floral swags, and stars may have been adopted from European settlers in the area. That's a wrap Seekers.   - Lonesome