Jessica Crabtree

http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photos/photo-camp-pine-ridge-2009/

May 28, 1888: Birth of Native American pan-athlete Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe was born near Prague, Oklahoma in the Sauk and Fox Nation. His Native name was Wa-tho-huk, or “Bright Path.” He is celebrated as one of the most gifted athletes who ever lived. His supreme athletic ability made him a legend in football, baseball, basketball, track, and several other sports. He was gold medalist in the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, although his medals were stripped when it was publicized that he played on an under-league baseball team in school.

Although this devastated his professional career, Thorpe remained an icon for sportsmen around the world and in particular a champion for Native Americans. Throughout his life he battled racism towards Native Americans (before 1924 Indians did not even have US citizenship) and stereotyping. His Sauk and Fox and Potawatomi heritage was a source of great pride to him; he once said that it was more valuable to him than all his sports awards.

Thorpe died of a heart attack in 1953. His Olympic medals were reinstated posthumously by act of Congress in 1983.

Jim Thorpe: The Official Site

Library of Congress: This Day in History – Jim Thorpe Web Exhibit

Image from National Geographic.

Indian Country Today: Onondaga Nation and environmental partners win prestigious EPA award

Official Site of the Onondaga Nation
Syracuse Post Standard: People of the Hills

I found this pen and ink study of facial expressions done by Charles Le Brun (1619-1690), one of the premier artists of the French baroque. Each character sketch is labeled (in French) but the captions of course do not need translating. Click to see the full-size.

May 21, 1471: Birth of German Renaissance artist Albrecht Durer

Left: Self-Portrait, Oil on lime panel (1500)

Durer is most famous for his signature work – the ubiquitous “Praying Hands.” The story has it that they are the hands of his brother, who gave up his chance at an art career in order to provide for Albrecht’s training. Praying Hands, brush drawing on blue primed paper (c. 1508)

Whether or not the story is apocryphal, Durer did go on to become possibly the most influential artist of the Northern Renaissance. Durer’s style is characterized by painstaking attention to detail and a focused, dramatic approach to composition. His fascinating portfolio betrays him as a man with an open mind and a curious nature.

He was a prolific artist, and unlike his Italian contemporary Leonardo da Vinci, left behind an incredibly diverse collection of artwork in a wide range of mediums and subjects. Well over a thousand of his paintings, drawings, and etchings have survived to the present day.

Left: Portrait of a Young Venetian Woman,
Oil on elm panel (1505)

Right:
Head Study of a Man Aged 93, Brush drawing on primed paper (1521)

Like da Vinci, however, his most significant accomplishment lay in his ability as a draftsman. Living in Germany in the wake of the printing revolution, he used the crafts of woodcutting and engraving to capitalize on the potential of art reproduction as an industry, making him one the most widely published and esteemed artists of the Renaissance.

Web Gallery of Art – Online Museum Database: Albrecht Durer Biography and Gallery

Below: Wing of a Roller, watercolor/gouache on vellum (1512)
Right: Two Squirrels (1492)
Below right: Young Hare, watercolor and gouache (1502)

“One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.” (Goethe)

It is often said that music is the pulse of a people, and there is no better way to appreciate the many facets of a culture than by exploring its musical traditions. Most Native American musicians today combine traditional forms, such as wooden flute playing, vocal solos, and Plains-style group singing (or “powwow” music), with modern styles and instrumentation. I’ve put together a list of some of the top artists and a few notes on where to hear them.

Joanne Shenandoah

Shenandoah is a member of the Oneida nation and uses her music to express her passionate love of Iroquois history and culture. She’s a woman of remarkable grace and poise and her voice is truly divine! If you’ve never heard her singing you’re in for a wonderful experience.

Shenandoah’s music varies in genre to include traditional Iroquois songs, country ballads, symphonic music – even techno.

Top picks: Peacemaker’s Journey, a song cycle sung partly in English, partly in Oneida, recounts the founding of the Iroquois Confederacy.

  Listen to samples:

  “Deer Dance”
  Covenant: “100 Winters”
  Peacemaker’s Journey: “Aiionwatha Forgives”
  Peacemaker’s Journey: “Peace and Power”

Robert Mirabal

Robert Mirabal hails from the pueblo of Taos in New Mexico where he grew up immersed in traditional Pueblo culture. He began his career as a flute maker and is now recognized as one of the pre-eminent producers of the Native American flute, with several of his instruments now part of the Smithsonian’s collection. His flute playing is masterful in itself; in his hands it is capable of an astonishing range of expression.

Mirabal has worked in many styles from traditional to rock, both solo and ensemble. Sings both in English and Tewa. His albums are remarkable for their vivid representation of Pueblo life and culture; personally I like his older music best.

Top Picks: Taos Tales is a colorful (but tasteful) blend of flute playing and native song with electronica. Music from a Painted Cave was recorded from a live performance and includes some of his best tracks.

  Listen to samples:

  Music from a Painted Cave: “Painted Caves”
  Taos Tales: “Popay Runner”
  Taos Tales: “Ee-You-Oo”
  Indians, Indians: “Blue Lake”

Mary Youngblood

Youngblood is of Seminole and Aleut heritage, and an incredibly gifted songwriter and flute player. She’s one of the best choices for those interested in any genre of Native American music.

Top Picks: My two favorite albums are Beneath the Raven Moon (acoustic folk-blend with flute solos) and Heart of the World (also featuring Joanne Shenandoah).

  Listen to samples:
  “Beneath the Raven Moon”
  Beneath the Raven Moon: “Sacred Place”
  Heart of the World: “Tears for Kientepoos”

Burning Sky

Contemporary acoustic fusion with a Southwest flavor, from a talented group of instrumentalists with Navajo/Ute background.

  Listen to samples:

  Spirits in the Wind: “Dog Soldiers”
  Blood of the Land: “Desert Wind”
  Blood of the Land: “Abalone Heart”
  A Simple Man: “Buffalo Chips”

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