English Paper
Project 2:
ENG 107
Abdulrahman Aljunaibi
ASU ID: 1208445975
Cultural Beauty in the Heard Museum
The Heard Museum in Arizona has been hosting a cultural event dubbed Beauty Speaks for Us. It is an important platform for showcasing rich elements of cultures in America as well as the unique behaviors of people belonging to various cultures. The museum has continually grown in stature and size to become a world class center for quality collections, festivals and educational programming. It is dedicated to an accurate and sensitive depiction of native cultures and arts. As an institution, it combined stories of American Indians from their individual points of view with the beauty of art works. Heard Museum sets a national standard with its innovative programs, unmatched festivals and world-class exhibitions by working together with native people to produce first-person voices. Collaboration with tribal communities and American Indian artists provide ambience for visitors to enjoy a unique perspective of cultures and art of native people more so those originating from the south west. The mission of this museum is to become the preeminent museum globally for the manner in which it advances the art of American Indians, its presentation as well as interpretation while stressing its intersection with cultural themes and broader artistic expression. ‘Beauty Speaks for Us’ is a quintessential event in this museum, thus it is important to delineate elements of culture observed during the event that displayed astounding beauty.
The presence of American Indian tribes in their traditional attires dancing and selling various indigenous items speaks volumes for the richness of American culture and the behavior of American Indians. Without this kind of event, it is easy to assume that America is a nation that is only associated with modernism and highly technological advancement. However, observing these tribes allows one to understand that Arizona as a state is important in promoting diversity in the US.
Their moving styles introduce a stunning scene to see. The moves are one of a kind and, combined with delightful apparel and consummately choreographed moves, give stimulation while making a good humored state of mind for spectators. Enormous group accumulate around the artists and many individuals likewise rush to territories where their things are sold to buy globules, gems, pots and works of art. These people group give the express a novel look and make the exhibition hall an essential place to visit with this occasion giving roads and chances to all Americans to figure out how individuals lived in the US before industrialization and innovative transformation. The way they move demonstrates that these individuals are more disposed to preservationist practices free of any sort of incitement.
Another fascinating sight to see inside the gallery is the indigenous nourishment of the Indian tribes. It was intriguing to discover that some of these sustenance’s which have been received into the cutting edge cooking of the US started from American Indians. They incorporate turkey, mush, cornbread, blueberry, cranberry and hominy. Talking with one individual from this local group uncovered that maize, otherwise called corn, in addition to squash and beans were the most well-known sustenance’s and along these lines put in plain view and cooked for guests to taste. The interviewee uncovered that the trio included was ordinarily alluded to as the "Three Sisters" since planting was done reliantly. For example, maize was planted first then beans to permit the beans to grow up the tall stalks of maize. Then again, squash develops at the base of the plants to offer support and security for the root frameworks. Considering the way that the vast majority going by the gallery amid this occasion originated from urban America and barely knew much concerning this culture, this data is intriguing. One can be entranced by the way that these groups executed different logical practices in farming in spite of not being comfortable with current science in this field. By watching and tasting these sustenances and others, for example, succotash, empty head, piki bread, bramble tea and casabe just to specify a couple of, one can without much of a stretch comprehend the genuine starting point of different present day cooking styles arranged in eateries in Arizona and different states.
The display of utensils was an attractive sight with a lot of details to learn. From the interview and information provided by the guides, it came to light that the earliest utensils used by these communities were wooden spoons and knives, griddles and grinders that were made from organic materials such as animal bones and rock. Gourds that were originally cultivated, dried and hollowed to be used as storage containers, bowls, ladles and spoons were on display too. Available for observation were elaborate pottery and weaving traditions for making containers, bowls and cooking pots as well as cooking baskets that the people had woven from different local fibers and some coated with clay in order to improve durability. Contrary to modern day sources of heat, charcoal or hot stones were used with these utensils during cooking. For all observers, seeing these meticulously made utensils invokes appreciation of modern technology which has ensured that cooking is fast and utensils are strong and durable. One can also appreciate the way the communities made the best of what was available to survive and make their lives as comfortable as possible. In fact, these communities were proud of their items to the extent that some of them were hesitant to use the modern utensils. Thus, it poses a challenge to all the visitors to play a role in cultural conservation promoting cultural diversity across all the states in the US.
The display of eye-catching art works such as paintings and drawings during this event exemplifies measures taken by the communities to preserve their culture and rich heritage in modern America. The arts section displays attractive paintings of personalities in the tribe, animals, foods, monuments and groups. They point to the fact that creativity in America is not just a modern-day occurrence but something that existed even before the country was officially founded. The painters used bright colors, some of which are symbolic of the message being passed. Information gained from an interview with one of the natives indicates that the tribes use paintings and drawing as an important way of communication and performing various rituals. They also painted various parts of their bodies as a sacred practice in their tribes. Just like in contemporary society, paintings are more than just pieces of art to entertain and display a painter’s creativity but something that has the power to teach, inspire, entertain and preserve information. Therefore, observing paintings and drawings during this event was the most interesting aspect of the show as far as the display of elements that cover beauty is concerned.
Cultural Comparisons
The occasion showed one culture that is both distinctive and like contemporary culture in America. American Indian culture is brimming with preservationist propensities while contemporary American culture is known for liberal acts. The ladies in the historical center had put on long dresses and had a uniform haircut not at all like in present day America which is portrayed by favor clothing and enhancement which can likewise be provocative. American Indian culture avoids independence however grasps common living. This social viewpoint is depicted by their harmony in settlements, financial exercises, for example, chasing, cultivating and exchange, directing customs and religious practices and practices. Then again, the cutting edge culture in America is brimming with individualistic propensities where harmony is encouraged from families and not along collective, racial or tribal lines. American Indians have likewise shown effortlessness in the essential components of their way of life while contemporary culture is confounded in craftsmanship, foods, lodging, method of transport and dressing. Despite the clear lines of difference, the two cultures are similar in certain ways and the points of contrast are observable in the museum. Both American Indians and contemporary Americans use art work to display, preserve, give tributes and celebrate several elements of their culture such as values, creativity and heroism. Additionally, both cultures are dynamic and have embraced change over time by stopping bad practices that fuel discrimination and threaten human beings while accepting positive change. Thus, the event provided an opportunity to observe the behaviors of people together with physical items to understand and infer the beauty of the cultures on display.
In conclusion, this article is based on the ‘Beauty Speaks for Us’ event in the Heard Museum, delineating elements of the culture observed during the event that displayed astounding beauty. The beauty of the American Indian culture was embedded and displayed in several observable features. One could observe attractive adornments, beautiful language, utensils, delicious cuisines, unique dancing styles and creative paintings and art works. Despite being different from contemporary American culture, one can easily observe there a celebration of diversity in the US.
