The arts of native religions are not created by "artists" as "art," but rather functional objects to be used in particular settings and special ways.
Navajo sand paintingsOne example of artistic expression in indigenous religions are Navajo sand paintings, also called dry paintings. They are known as "places where the gods come and go" in the Navajo language. Sand paintings are used in curing ceremonies in which the gods' help is requested for harvests and healing. The figures in sand paintings are symbolic representations of a story in Navajo mythology. They depict objects like the sacred mountains where the gods live, or legendary visions, or they illustrate dances or chants performed in rituals. Sand paintings are important in ceremonies, in which the patient sits on the painting while the chanter performs a ritual to enhance the absorption of its healing power. Immediately afterward, the remains of the painting are taken outside to an area north of the hogan, where they are returned to the earth. According to Navajo belief, a sand painting heals because the ritual image attracts and exalts the Holy People and serves as a pathway for the mutual exchange of illness and the healing power of the Holy People. Link: http://navajopeople.org/navajo-sand-painting.htm |
MasksMasks play a significant role in native African religions. When a a dancer is wearing a mask and any accompanying costume, the spirit is not merely represented by the masked dancer. The dancer actually becomes the spirit, embodied on earth, with the spirit's powers.
African masks are usually worn by men -- and only rarely by women -- during ritual ceremonies related to life events such death. They can represent many things: spirits of animals, people or ideas (ancestors, whether male or female), or even the power and history of ruler-ship. Masks also provide protection from spirits, members of the community or the deceased. Link: http://people.opposingviews.com/african-masks-used-during-religious-ceremonies-6381.html |
Above: The traditional Native American dream catcher was intended to protect the sleeping individual from negative dreams, while letting positive dreams through. The positive dreams would slip through the hole in the center of the dream catcher, and glide down the feathers to the sleeping person below.
Feathers and FeatherworkFeathers are featured prominently in many native religions because of their association with flight and contact with the world above and beyond our own. Feathers worn in the hair blow in the wind and evoke birds in flight, which are believed to have delivered songs and sacred messages to humankind.
In some Native American cultures, feathers came from eagles.Everything regarding harvesting Indian feathers from an eagle was ceremonious from killing or trapping the bird to the use of certain feathers from specific species. Eagle feathers adorned the headdresses of many tribes’ warriors as a symbol of their accomplishments in battle. At other times, eagle feathers were to be used in ornamentation to reflect a certain individual or an event. Link: http://www.indians.org/articles/indian-feathers.html |
Picture links:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/450360031461919697/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/56506170301398620/
http://www.diverse-onderwerpen.nl/klembord16.png
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/450360031461919697/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/56506170301398620/
http://www.diverse-onderwerpen.nl/klembord16.png