It is a central aspect of this paper to discover which symbolic functions Body Suspension carries and how the art relates to the Indian Sun Dance. It will be examined why the physically potentially dangerous and aggressive Sun Dance was practiced in some tribes and why the Plains Indians as well as some Native Americans today identify with the ritual.
Showing that the customs are far from being merely pointless and brutal, the paper reveales the messages that Sun Dance - or Body Suspension rituals try to convey. Due the large number of existing Plains Indians tribes, the paper restricts the investigations to only two tribes of North America, that is, to the Arapaho and the Cherokees. However, the Plains Indians are also considered in general terms in the essay.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Analytical research
3. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This term paper examines the cultural and symbolic connections between the traditional indigenous Sun Dance ritual and the modern practice of Body Suspension. It explores how ancient rituals centered on spiritual protection and identity are interpreted by contemporary "modern primitives," questioning whether such practices can effectively bridge the cultural gap between indigenous identities and Western perspectives.
- Historical and spiritual significance of the Plains Indians' Sun Dance.
- Symbolic function of body modification in the modern primitivism movement.
- Cultural identity, resistance, and the concept of "fixed identity."
- The role of intercultural dialogue in fostering mutual tolerance and respect.
- Comparative analysis of the Arapaho and Cherokee tribes' cultural backgrounds.
Excerpt from the Book
2. Analytical research
“Jim’s role in the first part of the sun dance that we’ll do will be as a pledger, as a sun dancer, we’ll be sun dancers together. Both of our chests will be pierced, and attached with a rope to this cottonwood tree, and we’ll dance against the piercings until we break the skin free.” They hold eagle feathers in their mouths. Bells announce the movement of the ropes pulling at the pierced skin. They rip at the flesh for hours until they break free. Later, Musafar disrobes. Eagle feathers are pinned to his legs, arms and forearms in preparation for a flesh hanging. “If anything goes wrong,” says Musafar, “we’ll be in a bad way. But we don’t think about that because the Great White Spirit is in charge of this ceremony, and if we’re lucky we’ll meet the Great White Spirit.” (PITTS 2003: 125)
Such a detailed depiction of the Plains Indians’ Sun Dance was realized by the above introduced founder of the modern primitivism movement, Sufi Musafar in the documentary film Dances Sacred and Profane in 1987. It is of great interest to consider these descriptions in the sense that they reflect the highly religious and spiritual dimension of the Plains Indians’ life.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the theoretical framework of body modification, defining it as a symbolic medium for identity expression and highlighting the transition from traditional rituals like the Sun Dance to contemporary Body Suspension.
2. Analytical research: This section investigates the historical and spiritual contexts of the Sun Dance among Plains Indian tribes, particularly the Arapaho and Cherokee, and evaluates how these ancient practices inform the symbolic motivations behind the modern Body Suspension movement.
3. Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the research findings, suggesting that while Body Suspension attempts to challenge identity boundaries, true intercultural understanding requires verbal dialogue rather than relying solely on the physical, often misinterpreted, act of ritual modification.
Keywords
Body Suspension, Sun Dance, Modern Primitivism, Plains Indians, Cultural Identity, Arapaho, Cherokee, Ritual, Spirituality, Intercultural Dialogue, Symbolic Expression, Body Modification, Identity Protection, Pan-Indianism, Colonialism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this term paper?
The paper explores the cultural and symbolic relationship between the historical Sun Dance of the Plains Indians and the contemporary ritual of Body Suspension found within the modern primitivism movement.
What are the core thematic areas discussed?
The research centers on themes of spiritual identity, the history of indigenous rituals, the perception of "primitive" body art in Western society, and the possibility of intercultural communication through these practices.
What is the main objective or research question?
The paper aims to determine whether modern Body Suspension rituals can carry the same symbolic weight of identity protection and spiritual significance as the traditional Sun Dance, and whether this helps reduce cultural stereotypes.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The author uses a qualitative, analytical approach, drawing on ethnographic literature and historical accounts to compare cultural rituals and interpret their symbolic implications within different societal contexts.
What topics are covered in the main body of the text?
The main body examines the spiritual and political history of the Sun Dance, the creation accounts and cultural identities of the Arapaho and Cherokee tribes, and the motivations behind modern body modification artists.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include Body Suspension, Sun Dance, Modern Primitivism, Cultural Identity, Arapaho, Cherokee, and Intercultural Dialogue.
How does the author characterize the role of the cottonwood tree in the Sun Dance?
The author interprets the cottonwood tree, to which the dancer is attached, as a symbolic representation of the enemy or the external forces—such as European colonialism—that the Plains Indians faced.
Does the author conclude that Body Suspension is an effective tool for cultural change?
The author is cautious, suggesting that while the intention of "modern primitives" may be positive, the physical act itself is often misunderstood; thus, real cultural progress requires active, verbal intercultural dialogue.
- Quote paper
- Viktor Kocsis (Author), 2011, From Sun Dance to Body Suspension. A Cultural Adaption?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/230311
