Random Appropriation of the Day! ("Native American Teepee for fluffy little critters")

This "Teepee" for your pets has been making the rounds on all sorts of design blogs on the internet in the last week or so. So random. And it's cardboard, not exactly a plush hangout for your "fluffy little critter". The description reads:

This Tipi, entirely made of recycled corrugated cardboard, distinguishes itself through its innovative design inspired by a classic symbol of Canadian iconography, The Amerindian culture and the collective imagination associated with it.

Which is actually kinda interesting. Note they used the correct spelling in the description, but not in the title, and the phrase "collective imagination," which could be interpreted that they realize that the stereotype this tipi represents is not necessarily a true depiction of Native culture...but that might be giving them more credit than they deserve.

Here it is without cats:

And the website: https://us.loyalluxe.com/show-all/the-native-american-teepee.html

(Thanks Annie, Stacy, Sarah, Dianna, and Veronica!)

Random Appropriation of the Day! ("Tiger Lily Teapot")

Reader Michaela spotted this one while christmas shopping online. Called the "Tiger Lily Teapot", she sports the awesome stereotypes of braids, a headband, a feather, and "indian" designs and colors. The description (via Fred Flare) reads:

This darling lil' lady is outfitted with a small interior metal steeper and her head becomes the tea cup when you remove her feathered top! Bold colors and a happy face will brighten your kitchen even on the coldest day.

yeah. you drink out of her head:

I'd call that a bit de-humanizing.

Fred Flare: Tiger Lily Teapot

Earlier:
Random Appropriation of the Day (Totem Cups)

(Thanks Michaela!)

Random Appropriation of the Day ("Friend Tire" Truck)

Going with the theme of Indians on the back of trucks/buses established in our discussion of Trans-Bridge's mascot yesterday, I thought I would share this image sent over by Bethany, spotted in Memphis, TN.

At least it's not "Savage Tire"? or "Enemy Tire"?

(Thanks Bethany!)

Random Appropriation of the Day (Miller Tomahawk Beer Tap)

(listing here)

Reader Leah passed this one over via Facebook, it's an Ebay listing for a "Miller TOMAHAWK Beer Tap Handle". I'm guessing the whole concept here was Miller--American Beer--"Real American"--Indians. Or something like that. I'm also a fan of the labeling: "Tomahawk...Peace Pipe...War Ax." Um, I'd say "Peace Pipe" might be the outlier there. Here's the listing on Ebay:

On a serious note, associating Native peoples with alcohol is very troubling, given the legacy of alcoholism and alcohol abuse in our communities. The "drunken Indian" stereotype is one of the most harmful and still pervasive images of Natives in our society, and having a beer tap drawing that connection is definitely not helping the issue.

Other things to draw your attention to: The ebay store is called "Da Man Cave" (I wouldn't expect anything less, since we all know "manly"="warrior"="Indian"), and then there is this great disclaimer at the bottom of the page:

***EBAY DISCLAIMER:  This item is a replica and NOT an actual historic Native American artifact***

Really?! Historic Native Americans didn't make beer tap handles?! Mind. Blown.

Better hurry, grab your $175 dollars, and bid away...there's only 15 hours left on the auction.

Listing here: Miller TOMAHAWK Beer Tap Handle

(Thanks Leah!)

Random Appropriation of the Day! ("Money House Blessing" Air Freshener?)

One of the things I love most about having this blog is getting Random Appropriations from my friends as they go about their lives all over the world. Last week I got a text message from my friend Shane in Taipei showing an "aboriginal" cartoon at the airport, my friend Steven sent me some great ones as he drove cross country this summer, and then this weekend my friend Genia tags me on Facebook...as this. I burst out laughing in the middle of the library. I love it.

Let's discuss.


Things I am partial to: "100% Genuine!" and "Contains Genuine 'Indian Strawberry'"(?) and the nice aesthetics of the Mr. Stereotypical Plains (we're getting pretty well acquainted on this blog, aren't we?) with the cornucopia of strawberries. Award-winning graphic design, right there.

But the best part is the "Money House Blessing." While, as Genia pointed out, we all can probably use some Money House Blessings...I'm not sure even the included "Genuine Indian Strawberry" is gonna get it for you. Sorry.

I'm guessing the company is playing off of the tradition of smudging (burning of certain sacred herbs, roots, or grasses) that many tribes use as a form of blessing or purification, but trying to commodify that in a pink can? Ridiculous.  

Also amazing, I googled to see if I could find any more information about the company, and found this:

Shoprite.com has a glorious typo--"Monkey House Blessing." Pretty fitting, actually. Cause there's about the same probability spraying this stuff will bring monkey blessings to your house as there is that it'll bring money blessings. That's all I've got to say.

(Thanks Genia!)

Random Appropriation of the Day! (Crate & Barrel "Hogan" Rug)

Another Random Appropriation courtesy of my parent's house in San Diego. My mom got some beautiful new rugs for our bathroom from the Crate & Barrel outlet, and I don't know if you can read it, but this style of rug is called a "Hogan" rug.

Still missing the Native connection? This is a Hogan:

 (image source)

Hogans are the traditional home of the Navajo--which are definitely still widely in use today for ceremonial purposes, driving through the Navajo Nation you often see a hogan next to the more "modern" homes.

Just I thought it was a random name for a rug, and immediately thought of the Navajo/weaving/rugs connection. But I'll admit, it could be an appropriation of another Hogan:

 (image source)

I mean, that bandanna looks kinda like the rug... :)

But here's the screen grab of the Crate & Barrel rug:

I'm beginning to be more and more intrigued by the use of Native names/imagery in product naming, even when the product has nothing to do with Natives.

Random Appropriation of the Day: "Seneca Warrior" Paddle Ball

My sister re-discovered the joys of beach paddle ball when she was on her senior trip to Myrtle Beach, and since I'm home visiting my parents in San Diego for a couple of weeks, we dug around in the garage to see if we still had an old set. Lo and behold, not only did we have an ancient (and complete) set, it happened to be a random appropriation.

This muscle-y "Warrior Seneca" dude is pretty old, like probably from like the late 80's early 90's, back when we were more active beach-goers (i.e. I was like 5). I couldn't find anything online about the company, but I would like to draw attention to their tag line:

"Seneca: The New Breed." That feels weird to me.

So funny, I'm sure when my parents bought this 20 years ago they would have never thought it would end up their daughter's blog. Well considering blogs didn't exist back then...haha.

But anyway. Random appropriation courtesy of Adrienne K's childhood home!

(Thanks Sees!)

Random Appropriation of the Day! (Daufuski Korean Oysters)

Chrissy, one of my Twitter followers, came across this can of Korean Oysters while shopping at her local grocery store (I believe in Alabama?). From what I can gather with a quick google search, Dafuskie (with an "e") Island in South Carolina used to be a big oyster producing area. But this website gives us this additional piece of Dafuskie trivia:

Indian pottery found on the island is among the oldest of its kind in North America, dating back more than 9,000 years.  Their history on the island ended in the early 18th century, after a battle with English soldiers in 1715. After the sand ran red with Indian blood, the southern tip of the island was given the moniker Bloody Point, a name it carries to this day.

Horrible.  How would you like to live in "Bloody Point" knowing that is the history of your home? That's a whole post in itself.

Back to the oysters. These are, today, produced in Korea, but I found some images of early ads, from the 1950's:

(image source)

If they are referencing the Daufuskie-Indian connection, they might want to look into traditional regalia of South Carolina, cause I'm about 100% positive they didn't wear plains headdresses. In addition, I don't think the proper way to memorialize slaughtering all of your island's Native inhabitants is to put them on a can of oysters. But that's just my opinion.

(Thanks Chrissy!)

Random Appropriation of the Day! (Eagle Medicine Woman Ball-Jointed Doll)

Reader Dawn spotted this beauty through a Facebook ad, and just like our other fabulous Facebook find (the "Spirit Guides" tomahawk), it comes from the company "Collectibles Today." Ready for the description?

"With her Medicine Wheel and her eagle spirit guide, she has the power to bring protection and healing to her people. The Eagle Medicine Woman alone can unlock the secret of the majestic bird's great strength. Now you can experience the deep spiritual meaning and stunning beauty of her essence with this collectible ball-jointed doll, available only from The Ashton-Drake Galleries. 13 individual ball joints bring this masterwork doll to life in endless posing options.

Crafted in collector-quality vinyl, this poseable doll wears a beautiful, exclusively designed outfit showcasing thrilling full-color art of her eagle spirit guide in flight. Her custom ensemble is further lavished with beaded accents, graceful fringe, an authentic headdress and matching boots. She even comes with a quad-colored Medicine Wheel, perfect for posing with her. Strong demand is expected for this important achievement in the doll world, so order now!"

 I, personally, am partial to the lines "The Eagle Medicine Woman alone can unlock the secret of the majestic bird's great strength." and "authentic headdress and matching boots." Below, "authenticity" at its best:

As a light-eyed Indian myself, I appreciate validation of my authenticity as Native through the blue eyes. ha.

But on a serious note? The appropriation of sacred religious symbols is effed up. Medicine wheels and eagle feathers are not child's play.

Wow, that was a bad pun. 

Collectibles Today Eagle Medicine Woman Doll

Earlier: Random Appropriation of the Day! (Spirit Guides Tomahawk)

(Thanks Dawn!)

Random Appropriation of the Day ("Navajo Bronze" Hair Dye)

Apparently Clairol has a color of their "Natural Instincts" line called "Navajo Bronze"--a "light caramel brown". Of course, since Clariol wants you to think that this line of hair dye is "natural" and stuff, they have to use Natives for marketing, since we're all tied to nature and pure and whatever else they think. Frustrating.

Amazon listing: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001E5EC4A/?tag=botkrajai-20

(Thanks Scott!)

Random Appropriation of the Day! ("Spirit Guides" Tomahawk)

Feast your eyes upon the "Spirit Guides Native American Style Tomahawk Replica" from a company called "Collectibles Today." In case its use was unclear, it's a wall hanging. duh. Besides the obvious stereotypes--tomahawk, wolves, feathers, beading, connection to the mystical, etc, you MUST read the description:

Be guided by the wolf's commanding spirit and remarkable courage with this awe-inspiring sculptural collectible Native American style tomahawk replica. This magnificent wall display combines a rich tradition and wolf artistry. Just look at the custom piercing on the sculpted blade as it creates the image of a majestic wolf howling at the moon on a starlit night.

Celebrate a creature of mystery and great power with this striking handcrafted limited-edition Native American style tomahawk replica, available exclusively from The Hamilton Collection. This tomahawk replica boasts wolf art "carvings" of a pack of wolves on the handle, and is decorated with real feathers, leather cording, "beadwork" and simulated turquoise. Makes unique wall decor and it's a fantastic wolf art gift. Heavy demand is expected, and you won't want to miss out. Order now!

Wow. Just one question: what is "wolf artistry?" I didn't know wolves could sculpt!

This beauty can be yours for the low, low price of only one payment of $39.95 (+$7.99 shipping and handling). It says heavy demand is expected, so you better get on it.

Also, my friend Steven found this from a Facebook ad. If anyone else comes across similar examples, please send them my way.

May the great power and commanding spirit of the wolf be with you!

"Spirit Guides Native American Style Tomahawk Replica": http://www.collectiblestoday.com/ct/product/prdid-901625001.jsp 

(I also recommend clicking on "Native American Style" on the upper lefthand side to see their other great products)

(Thanks Steven!)

Random Appropriation of the Day! (International Pow Wow)

I was browsing twitter trending topics this afternoon, and saw that #powwow was a trending topic--way far down, but still! So I investigated, only to find out that none of the posts had anything to do with any powwow I had ever attended.


Apparently this weekend was the 39th annual "Orlando International Pow Wow," a travel trade show. read the description in the screenshot above.

An image of this "powwow":

They don't seem to appropriate any images of Native culture, other than the name, but it does seem weird to associate a travel trade show with a "powwow." I know there is the business-y "let's have a powwow about this" reference (which I always bug my friends not to use), but it's not like powwows don't exist anymore and the term can be reused to represent a trade show.

here's the website: http://powwowonline.com 

Random. I wonder if the participants think about the connotations of the name? Or if anyone ever get's confused? "Eh, I hear theres a big powwow in orlando this weekend! International! maybe we can get some Italian frybread? aye." :)

Random Appropriation of the Day! (Plastic Indian Necklace)

Another great find from regretsy.com (a blog that combs etsy.com for weird and hilarious postings). This masterpiece was included in their "Top 10 Horrible Necklaces," and awesomely titled "Dances with Plastic." Beyond the ridiculousness of the necklace itself, we have the description:

"I love the native american culture"? right. He's "hunting...perhaps for dinner. or lunch."? awesome. 

But let's also point out: she drilled a hole in a plastic Indian figurine, strung it on some ribbon...and someone bought it. (It's been sold)

Wow. 

Original Regretsy Post: http://www.regretsy.com/2010/05/10/top-10-horrible-necklaces/

Etsy seller's page: http://www.etsy.com/listing/45272694/native-american-necklace

Earlier: Groundhog Native American Shield (also via regretsy) http://nativeappropriations.blogspot.com/2010/02/random-appropriation-of-day-holiday.html

Random Appropriation of the Day ("Cherikee Red" Soda)

 (image source)

Cause we all know that changing the "o" to an "i" in Cherokee makes it all ok and not racist, right?

Feast your eyes on Cherikee Red, a cherry flavored soda available (yes, in 2010) in the great states of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Besides the appropriation of the Cherokee name and the fantastically insensitive connection to the word "red" (redskin, anyone?), do I have to point it out again?

Dear world, Cherokees don't wear plains style warbonnets. Never have. Just because "Cherokee" seems to be the only tribe that 95% of the US knows doesn't mean that we wear the same traditional regalia as the tribes represented in westerns. Just an FYI.



here are some more historical images of Cherikee Red, apparently things haven't changed much (ie at all) in the past 10-20 years:

 (images via authentichistory.com)

(I can't find the original tip for this one--one of my twitter followers sent me a picture of himself holding a 2 liter bottle of this stuff--but thanks!!)

Random Appropriation of the Day! (Pee Pee Teepee?)

Thanks(?) to my friend Jerold for sending over the "Pee-Pee Teepee: For the sprinkling wee-wee", found in an airport gift shop in Seattle.Click the picture if you want to read the accompanying poem. It's a winner.

Comes in many color and pattern choices for your little man...and this is making me uncomfortable. haha.

(Thanks Jerold!)

AK note: apologies for the lack of posts the last few days, I'm finishing up my finals. But expect a flurry next week, and until then, a steady stream of random appropriations to hold you over. :)

Masking Tape and Markers=Beautiful Native Street Poetry

A comet flew through my soul

Not far from Black Hills Gold

Uphill from a 

Snaking

River

Did yellow hair die sinners?

Cheyenne

Cherokee

Navajo 

Pontiac

How 

The

____

Did Indian

Names 

Wind up on

Cars?

Four Sleeping 

Giants

View a Corn Palace Circus

From a cold land

As spirits roam alone

Bury my car at wounded knee

Many years ago, back when I was a wee sophomore in college, my roommate Charlotte stumbled upon this poem in the streets of San Francisco. I've had it on my computer ever since, and I love it.

This blog is filled with negative images, instances of racism and ignorance that erase our current existence--but this image is the opposite. I like to picture the busy residents of San Francisco scurrying through their everyday lives, heads down, eyes lowered, and pausing--for even a moment--to read the poem. Reading the mix of recognizable references combined with contemporary Native identity, and realizing, for one second, that Native people might live in their very city, and questioning the preconceived notions they hold.

I love the temporary nature of the project, and the anonymity. I think it lends to it's power. The poem is a fleeting moment, not meant to be permanent--guerrilla art in a rare Native form.

(Thanks Char!) 

Random Appropriation of the Day ("Squaw Badge")

 Lisa Charleyboy found this lovely display of cultural sensitivity here. It's a pin/button to show the world your love for...costumed animals?

but it gets worse, it's called a "squaw badge".

In case you care for other forms of appropriation, don't worry, there's a "Bob Dog Badge" (Rastafarian dog with dreadlocks) too.

"Squaw" Badge: http://www.takkoda.com/store/gifts-badges-c-38_43.html

(Thanks Lisa!)

Random Appropriation of the Day! ($2,200 Backyard Tipi)

Tipster Lucia pointed me to this backyard "tepee" from Design Within Reach. It retails for $2,200, and is made by "Dave Ellis, who spent 10 years working in the canvas business before creating his own line of tents and tepees in 1982."

Here's the screenshot of the page (click for a bigger version):

The description reads:

Tepee

For adventurers of all ages, the classic Tepee (2008) is a simple solution for spending time outdoors with minimal impact on the surrounding landscape. This one was crafted for DWR Tools for Living by Dave Ellis, who spent 10 years working in the canvas business before creating his own line of tents and tepees in 1982. We chose his work because of his quality materials and construction that provides proper ventilation, flame resistance and reinforced stress points. What’s also unique about this design is the sewn-in floor liner that allows proper air flow, while ensuring that nothing accidentally leaves or enters the Tepee. This floor also makes it easier to see where the poles should be placed when building the Tepee. The floor liner is not waterproof, which Ellis did on purpose since material that breathes won’t kill the grass underneath. The exterior canvas is tightly woven, preshrunk 100% cotton Army Duck that’s finished with a Sunforger baked-in process to make the canvas mildew resistant and water repellent. Campfire songs and ghost stories not included.

"Campfire songs and ghost stories not included." At least it didn't say "war paint and headdresses not included"? Also note it's categorized under "Tepee--Outdoors--Play--Accessories". Look, they even offer "location" shots so you can see how it will look next to your expensive mid-century modern patio furniture:

or when you decide to lug it to a fake desert movie set:

look at that comforting glow. ha. This is definitely for a very specific demographic--it's a very small portion of America that can afford to spend $2200 on a backyard tent. Is there even a market for this?


DWR "Tepee": http://www.dwr.com/product/accessories/view-all/tepee.do?search=basic&keyword=tepee&sortby=ourPicks&page=1

(Thanks Lucia!)

Random Appropriation of the Day! (yes, THAT Hanson)

I'm about to let some of my major dorkiness show. Well friends, I have a confession to make. I, Adrienne K, am an unabashed Hanson fan. Yes, THAT Hanson. Of mmmbop fame. I've been a fan since I was 8 and I saw them at a county fair in Tulsa, and continue to be a loyal follower of their new music (which is actually really good!). The best birthday present I recieved in recent memory was a set of tickets to see their show in San Francisco for my 22nd birthday. So, yes, I am a nerd.

Anyway, I posted the random appropriation from their newest music video above. Did you miss the it? don't worry, I made it more explicit below:

See it now? haha. Also, obviously, that's not Hanson in the shot. It's their band. But the big 'ol cigar store Indian is in the background of most of the "studio" shots throughout. Their video is catchy and pretty good, and I think I might be the only one who caught the Indian in there--but I thought I would share.

And, if you're curious as to what the Hanson bros look like now:

all grown up! And that's Weird Al in the red pants, if you were curious about that too.

Here's the video:

(Thanks Laksh!!)

 

Random Appropriation of the Day! (Indian Smurfs)

Virtue B. sent over these smurf figurines from her recent trip to New York. They were posed to look like they were acting out a scene from a movie with cowboys and Indians.

This guy's wearing a buffalo headdress and leggings/loin cloth combo

While this guy's got an angry expression, some war paint, and a feathered spear. (see the smurf with the boom mike and headphones in the back?)

Note the mid-war whoop pose on that center one.

The thing about these little figurines is, I have one. My friend Scott has them in his office (he's Native). The associate director of the Native program at my school has some. I can only speak for myself, but I bought the one I have (he's in a canoe) because I thought it was hilarious and should be so offensive, but, it's a smurf, so you can't help but smile. Sometimes you just have to laugh at the ridiculousness, because I find it tiring to be angry all the time. By buying the figurine I realize I play into the stereotyping and mis-appropriation, but at the same time having it in my room as something ironic and silly makes me feel I have more power over it. It's a give and take. :)

(Thanks Virtue!)