Western Commodification Essay

Indigenous Art has been commodified by western colonization throughout time. Western interest in resources and skills possessed by Natives has continuously led to the exoticism of native art. This phenomenon, has also removed most native art from its original context, therefore stripping it of its earlier importance and functionality. Western commodification of art is a popular topic today as society has become more interested in the concept of cultural appropriation. However, dressing as a native American for Halloween,though inappropriate and racist, is only one side-effect of the large-scale commodification and homogenization of indigenous society. Western claim of Native people’s art has eliminated its’ cultural value and changed its function …show more content…
Though the mask is composed of dull earth tones, it would have been paired with bright robes creating a high contrast look. The transformation mask being one piece of full body costume is not as powerful as an individual piece because the contrast to bright colors displays the festive nature of the work . The mask brought in theatrical elements to ceremonies by creating movement. When strings on the side of the mask were pulled down the bird face was opened up to reveal a more human like mask that represented a spirit. Within the Muesem this mask remains stagnant and therefore loses it’s theatrical function. Furthermore,the performer would turn their back to the audience when opening the first layer of the mask creating a mysticism within the ritual. In the Museum, the mask is left open in order to show the whole piece, this does not leave anything to the museum patrons imagination and therefore strips the transformation mask of its mysterious aura. This mask, and others like it, had high cultural value that meant it could only be used by people with high spiritual capabilities like elders and warriors. The mask brought in theatrical elements to ceremonies by creating movement. When strings on the side of the mask were pulled down the bird face was opened up to reveal a more human like mask that represented a …show more content…
Native resources and skills were victims of apropriation, removing most native art from its original context. Cultural appropriations is a popular topic today as society has become more aware, but not necisarilly more sympathetic of the cultural robbery of people of color . However, dressing as a native American for Halloween,though inappropriate and racist, is only one side-effect of the large-scale commodification and homogenization of indigenous society. Regardless, this superficial act of cultural appropriation can definitely strike a nerve with natives who have been divested of their culture and property by foreign invaders, or as Americans call them, colonizers. Though we say imitation is the best form of flattery, in the case of marginalized groups, their culture can be best respected by being left in their possession and their possession