What should be displayed? Native arts in museums and on the runways
Authors: Melanie King
Disciplines: Anthropology, Art, Communications, History, Law, Native American Studies, Psychology, Social Work and Sociology
Themes: Activism, Cultural Preservation, Federal and State Relations and Policy, Indian Identity, Law and Justice, Leadership, Media, Sacred Sites
This case study considers questions of how, what, and where Indigenous arts should be displayed and the responsibility museums and other public institutions have in representing other cultures. This case will also address cultural appropriation seen in popular culture as an extension of the issues created in part by collectors of Native arts in the public and private spheres and the result of divorcing Native objects from their original context. Additionally this case will explore how objections have been met and what this indicates about changing attitudes and values.