Dear Haley,
Thank you for your question. Yes, authentic and traditional art can definitely be an investment that depending on where you are at in life, might be something to continue to dream about. But keep on dreaming!
There are a couple of things you might consider: 1) are you willing to support cultural high jacking to get a similar aesthetic in your home, and 2) are there other ways you might support authentic Native weavers without breaking the bank?
First, here’s a little info on cultural high jacking and how it affects Native people:
What is cultural high jacking?
Cultural high jacking is the adoption or theft of icons, rituals, aesthetic standards, and behavior from one culture or subculture by another without understanding or respect. This often happens to Tribal and other marginalized communities, whose cultural practices are treated as trends rather than being valued. For education and learning, it’s important to approach culture with respect, to ask permission when appropriate, and to support communities in keeping their traditions alive.
Why does cultural high jacking happen?
Cultural high jacking often happens when culture is treated as a product or trend, rather than something sacred and community-based. Traditions, stories, and designs may be taken without understanding, permission, or respect, especially from Tribal and other underrepresented communities. These cultural expressions can be seen as “exotic” or “stylish,” which leads to profit for companies, while the people and communities who created them are left out or overlooked.
Cultural high jacking is harmful because it takes away the meaning and context of traditions, ceremonies, and designs. When cultural items are copied or mass-produced, their history and spirit are ignored, and the deep connections they hold for communities are reduced to stereotypes or imitations.
It’s good practice to learn about the design, the people, and the artist behind traditional Native art and design. Avoid mass-produced copies sold by companies outside the community as they tend to be massed produced for the profit of non-native people or companies.
Secondly, consider other ways you might achieve the incredibly beautiful aesthetic of SW rug designs without breaking the bank. For example, I am a potter and have the utmost respect for Pueblo pottery and design. As a gift to the master potter of the studio I work in, I wanted to find a small Hopi or Acoma pot as a gesture of my appreciation to him. Similar to authentic rugs, traditional pueblo pottery is an investment, so I found a ceramic mug from a shop that was designed by a Hopi potter and Tribal member. It was a win win for me! I’d encourage you to do the same and find alternative ways to support Native artists and communities by buying authentically made items…and maybe start a piggy bank for that dreamy Southwest rug. It will be well worth it!
Thanks for writing in! I wish you all the best!
Take care,
Auntie Manda
