ARE THE TAINO PLAYING TO INDIAN STEREOTYPES? - Indigenous Caribbean Network2024-03-29T00:20:55Zhttps://indigenouscaribbean.ning.com/forum/topics/2030313:Topic:12602?commentId=2030313%3AComment%3A14010&feed=yes&xn_auth=noThere are certain points to c…tag:indigenouscaribbean.ning.com,2009-01-20:2030313:Comment:306022009-01-20T05:49:27.588ZAl "Kutubanama" Velazquezhttps://indigenouscaribbean.ning.com/profile/AlKutubanamaVelazquez
There are certain points to consider when you decide to do it, Nanu. Back in the islands and anywhere where tropical weather dominates, a woman's two piece attire is just fine, because it is considered normal in these places. In the 'States, it's a bit different altogether, and of course, more times than not, because of location, weather and customs, perhaps a one piece or attire not showing too much mid-riff would be best. Besides what I stated earlier, also look at what best compliments your…
There are certain points to consider when you decide to do it, Nanu. Back in the islands and anywhere where tropical weather dominates, a woman's two piece attire is just fine, because it is considered normal in these places. In the 'States, it's a bit different altogether, and of course, more times than not, because of location, weather and customs, perhaps a one piece or attire not showing too much mid-riff would be best. Besides what I stated earlier, also look at what best compliments your figure as well as what best shows "Nanu" as an individual. Examples;<br />
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Recent pic of a young Taino woman in regalia in Boriken.<br />
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<a href="http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/freddy1229/taino/?action=view&current=AmazonaReyna.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w252/freddy1229/taino/AmazonaReyna.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a><br />
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Present day New York City. Look at the women in the standing row, 2nd and 3rd from left to right. They have one piece with a belt and slits on either side of the skirt area. Decorate what Nanu is on it!!! I hope this helps in some way!!!<br />
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/images/taino" target="_blank"><img src="http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k10/tainopride/TainoNation1.jpg" border="0" alt="Taino nation Pictures, Images and Photos"/></a><br />
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...and thanks brother Sobaoko for your comment. It's very much appreciated!!! Han Han Brother I have seldom…tag:indigenouscaribbean.ning.com,2009-01-17:2030313:Comment:299232009-01-17T18:05:05.378ZMiguel Sague Jrhttps://indigenouscaribbean.ning.com/profile/MiguelSobaokoKoromosague
Han Han Brother I have seldom heard it as well put as the way it has been put by you and Nanu<br />
Taino Ti<br />
Miguel
Han Han Brother I have seldom heard it as well put as the way it has been put by you and Nanu<br />
Taino Ti<br />
Miguel Hi Nanu!!! Trust me, I hear y…tag:indigenouscaribbean.ning.com,2009-01-16:2030313:Comment:289362009-01-16T00:48:51.110ZAl "Kutubanama" Velazquezhttps://indigenouscaribbean.ning.com/profile/AlKutubanamaVelazquez
Hi Nanu!!! Trust me, I hear you. Like it has been said in this thread more than once, this has been an issue of divisiveness. The fact is that it isn't too difficult to come up with your regalia. Look at glyphs, see what they are and mean as well as what they mean to you. There are common things such as material that's usually used, specifically cotton, and with that as you piece these things together, search within yourself as to what shows who and what you are. There are always critics who'll…
Hi Nanu!!! Trust me, I hear you. Like it has been said in this thread more than once, this has been an issue of divisiveness. The fact is that it isn't too difficult to come up with your regalia. Look at glyphs, see what they are and mean as well as what they mean to you. There are common things such as material that's usually used, specifically cotton, and with that as you piece these things together, search within yourself as to what shows who and what you are. There are always critics who'll say "They didn't wear this like this and that". Just tell them "Welcome to the 21st century!!! I am NOT a museum show piece. I am the present, living and breathing. If you want a 1492 Taino, pick up a book and read about them. If you want the living, present day Taino, follow me into this century". That's what I told the last individual who came at me with that nonsense. If they don't like it, "Que se muerda un ojo!!!", like my old man used to say.lol Let me know how I can answer any questions. I'll be glad to help whichever way I can!!! This is an interesting topic…tag:indigenouscaribbean.ning.com,2008-10-03:2030313:Comment:140102008-10-03T22:55:18.188ZAnita Paganhttps://indigenouscaribbean.ning.com/profile/Nanu
This is an interesting topic to think about...<br />
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A couple of years ago I was considering creating my regalia and I got stumped. There was a lot of details that needed to be considered! There is the weather, one's personal comfort, one's own need for creative expression, the need for something spiritually fulfilling, the desire to project something historically accurate and aesthetically pleasing; what materials to include, what style to follow, what colors... This can go on and on to the point…
This is an interesting topic to think about...<br />
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A couple of years ago I was considering creating my regalia and I got stumped. There was a lot of details that needed to be considered! There is the weather, one's personal comfort, one's own need for creative expression, the need for something spiritually fulfilling, the desire to project something historically accurate and aesthetically pleasing; what materials to include, what style to follow, what colors... This can go on and on to the point of become daunting!<br />
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Which is why I still have no regalia! LOL!<br />
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I believe we need to take into account the times we live in. In the 1400 we walked around nude and it was not an issue, it was the way we lived. In these days this is not only not socially acceptable but would make many uncomfortable; native and non-native alike. Also, there is intertribal sensitivity; some nations consider the exposure of so much skin immodest. The bra top and the nagua would raise eyebrows at an intertribal. Especially when we don't really have a set "regalia"<br />
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I liked the idea of getting a couple of Taino who's creative juices flow towards design and tailoring regalia together, and for some of us this would be great...<br />
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To be honest, I am still a little iffy on how important the garments really are... Yes, it does identify us as a group, however there are a lot of Taino spread out worldwide and we are influenced by different environments and thoughts. Like David said, there hasn't been an unbroken continuity in us as a group and this will reflect in the tastes and needs we will have regarding dress.<br />
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The quotes on the importance of regalia were made by people who were from areas where being dressed could make the difference between life and death. We are Caribbean. We had decorations, feathers and such but not much by way of clothing... as far as I know.<br />
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I am open to learning though... I am in agreement with our si…tag:indigenouscaribbean.ning.com,2008-09-21:2030313:Comment:130592008-09-21T20:44:30.213ZMiguel Sague Jrhttps://indigenouscaribbean.ning.com/profile/MiguelSobaokoKoromosague
I am in agreement with our sister Carrie. One of the many factors that sadly play a big role in the divisiveness that is rife in our resurgence movement is the fact that many of our people confuse the importance of regalia as a part of tribal identity/ pride with close-mindedness and restrictive judgementalism.<br />
I fully agree that in this resurgence movement it is vital to maintain a clear vision of what in our regalia connects us with our ancestors. I believe that research and spiritual…
I am in agreement with our sister Carrie. One of the many factors that sadly play a big role in the divisiveness that is rife in our resurgence movement is the fact that many of our people confuse the importance of regalia as a part of tribal identity/ pride with close-mindedness and restrictive judgementalism.<br />
I fully agree that in this resurgence movement it is vital to maintain a clear vision of what in our regalia connects us with our ancestors. I believe that research and spiritual connection with the spirits of our forbears is an important source of accurate information on the imagery that characterizes the tradition of Taino clothing. I want to point out the fact that, as mentioned earlier by others in this forum, many Native Nations experienced transition and evolution in the way that they dress. The patchwork clothing now so typical of the Florida Seminoles does not in any way resemble the traditional clothing of these people even as recently as the seminole Wars of the 19th century. That does not mean that the Seminoles are "wannabee" or inaccurate in their regalia or that they should all go back to the drawing board and change the hallmark patchwork of their regalia. By the same token, who would deny the Cuna of Panama's San Blas Islands their hallmark stitched "molas", a tradition of regalia that replaced their ancient aboriginal near-naked regalia culture in the late 1800's. Is someone going to accuse the Cuna's of inaccurace or being "wannabees". Each Native culture has the right to allow its regalia tradition to evolve and grow naturally as its members explore their sacred imagination and the inspiration that comes from the spirits. Nobody has the right to point fingers and call what anyone else is wearing "false" or "wannabee"<br />
Taino Ti<br />
Miguel Sobaoko Koromo Sague I am in agreement sister. One…tag:indigenouscaribbean.ning.com,2008-09-21:2030313:Comment:130562008-09-21T20:40:06.456ZMiguel Sague Jrhttps://indigenouscaribbean.ning.com/profile/MiguelSobaokoKoromosague
I am in agreement sister. One of the many factors that sadly play a big role in the divisiveness that is rife in our resurgence movement is the fact that many of our people confuse the importance of regalia as a part of tribal identity/ pride with close-mindedness and restrictive judgementalism.<br />
I fully agree that in this resurgence movement it is vital to maintain a clear vision of what in our regalia connects us with our ancestors. I believe that research and spiritual connection with the…
I am in agreement sister. One of the many factors that sadly play a big role in the divisiveness that is rife in our resurgence movement is the fact that many of our people confuse the importance of regalia as a part of tribal identity/ pride with close-mindedness and restrictive judgementalism.<br />
I fully agree that in this resurgence movement it is vital to maintain a clear vision of what in our regalia connects us with our ancestors. I believe that research and spiritual connection with the spirits of our forbears is an important source of accurate information on the imagery that characterizes the tradition of Taino clothing. I want to point out the fact that, as mentioned earlier by others in this forum, many Native Nations experienced transition and evolution in the way that they dress. The patchwork clothing now so typical of the Florida Seminoles does not in any way resemble the traditional clothing of these people even as recently as the seminole Wars of the 19th century. That does not mean that the Seminoles are "wannabee" or inaccurate in their regalia or that they should all go back to the drawing board and change the hallmark patchwork of their regalia. By the same token, who would deny the Cuna of Panama's San Blas Islands their hallmark stitched "molas", a tradition of regalia that replaced their ancient aboriginal near-naked regalia culture in the late 1800's. Is someone going to accuse the Cuna's of inaccurace or being "wannabees". Each Native culture has the right to allow its regalia tradition to evolve and grow naturally as its members explore their sacred imagination and the inspiration that comes from the spirits. Nobody has the right to point fingers and call what anyone else is wearing "false" or "wannabee"<br />
Taino Ti<br />
Miguel Sobaoko Koromo Sague tainoray I think you raise a…tag:indigenouscaribbean.ning.com,2008-09-19:2030313:Comment:127642008-09-19T00:43:29.431ZMaximilian Fortehttps://indigenouscaribbean.ning.com/profile/MaximilianForte
tainoray I think you raise a lot of valid points, and so have the others. It seems justified to argue for special wear for special functions -- we all do it, and if we want to ridicule we can start with academics who wear bizarre Florentine and other outfits at formal occasions such as graduation ceremonies. I have a couple of cloaks myself, and was forced to wear one every night when having sherry with the Master of a college at my university in Australia -- we can laugh about that before we…
tainoray I think you raise a lot of valid points, and so have the others. It seems justified to argue for special wear for special functions -- we all do it, and if we want to ridicule we can start with academics who wear bizarre Florentine and other outfits at formal occasions such as graduation ceremonies. I have a couple of cloaks myself, and was forced to wear one every night when having sherry with the Master of a college at my university in Australia -- we can laugh about that before we point fingers at anyone else.<br />
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The regalia also functions as a marker, delimiting who belongs, and who doesn't. When you speak of resurgence, you hit on a vital point: dress is one of the markers available, that is readily available, that functions to define membership and identity in public. So my starting point is that people do what they do because they need to.<br />
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I think the regalia does, inevitably, reflect the times in which we are living, simply because of the fact that the regalia is made and worn in the present.<br />
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We don't have exact and precise ideas of what the Taino wore before the arrival of Europeans, just some loose and varying descriptions. For example, some would argue that just having a piece of cloth, square, hanging down in front like an apron is wrong -- that it should instead be wrapped around to the bottom, between the legs, sort of like underwear in fact. Some depictions cast the bottom as naked, and the front as covered, and so on.<br />
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As for playing to stereotypes, that can be a terribly loaded question, and I don't think we will find one answer that can win every argument. Certainly, what is worn on st…tag:indigenouscaribbean.ning.com,2008-09-17:2030313:Comment:127112008-09-17T20:28:44.489Zadem medina cardonahttps://indigenouscaribbean.ning.com/profile/ademmcardona
Certainly, what is worn on stage and what we wear in our every day lives are often times two different things, as the purpose of what we wear on each occasion is different. When I go to work, I wear certain clothing I do not wear daily at home, or would not wear if invited to a family party. I would hope that the new regalia being developed today would be a refection of the past along with a snapshot of where we are today, and as each generation contributes to this tradition, each adds to,…
Certainly, what is worn on stage and what we wear in our every day lives are often times two different things, as the purpose of what we wear on each occasion is different. When I go to work, I wear certain clothing I do not wear daily at home, or would not wear if invited to a family party. I would hope that the new regalia being developed today would be a refection of the past along with a snapshot of where we are today, and as each generation contributes to this tradition, each adds to, rather than overshadows the previous. My uncle came to visit wearing a white guayabera one day with white colored slacks. My son was wearing nearly an identical shirt, but with jean shorts. An expression of the times I guess! I am unsure how to express or add to the taino regalia of the past that reflects our lives today though. I am curious how you think that would that be reflected???? Taino Ti
What we wear is ver…tag:indigenouscaribbean.ning.com,2008-09-17:2030313:Comment:126842008-09-17T03:37:15.518ZCaracolihttps://indigenouscaribbean.ning.com/profile/tainoray
Taino Ti<br />
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What we wear is very important, for Native Americans regalia has always been sacred and the tradition of regalia making is passed down from generation to generation. Making regalia is very spiritual and honors our Ancient ones. It has nothing to do with what shoes one wears according to the weather. What is being submitted today by the doers of this movement will one day be Traditional. This is a RESURGANCE MOVEMENT and the mission of those in this movement is to leave a solid…
Taino Ti<br />
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What we wear is very important, for Native Americans regalia has always been sacred and the tradition of regalia making is passed down from generation to generation. Making regalia is very spiritual and honors our Ancient ones. It has nothing to do with what shoes one wears according to the weather. What is being submitted today by the doers of this movement will one day be Traditional. This is a RESURGANCE MOVEMENT and the mission of those in this movement is to leave a solid foundation for others to follow.<br />
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tainoray<br />
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quotes from Native Americans speaking about the importance of regalia.<br />
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"Our traditional regalia is grounded in our culture. It has spiritual dimensions. ... It also has special ties to our ancestors, those people who also used regalia in previous times. ... It's not just dance regalia, it has all of those ties to our culture."<br />
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Rosita Worl, President of Sealaska Heritage Institute<br />
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The importance of Regalia<br />
By Teri Tibbett Juneau Empire<br />
When the dancers approach the stage for the Grand Entrance at Celebration on Thursday, June 5, the robes and blankets, headdresses and other accessories they'll be wearing are not costumes. They are regalia.<br />
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"(Regalia) is a step up from costume because of the depth of the spirit in this significant piece of clothing that can transform people's emotions and mental state and spiritual state," said Clarissa Hudson, a Tlingit regalia maker.<br />
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. "The regalia shows what clan you are, what moiety you are, Eagle or Raven," said George Ramos, an elder on Sealaska Heritage Institute's Council of Traditional Scholars. "It shows what house you are from. Like mine, I'm from the Frog House, so I have a frog on my vest. ... Different areas have their different styles of regalia. In the original time, things that got put on your regalia, it meant something really close to the culture."<br />
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"The regalia that people use today as individual property is usually made by someone in their family. They don't have to go through the formality of commissioning it and then paying somebody from the opposite clan," said Worl, who wrote her doctoral dissertation on Tlingit property law.<br />
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In modern times, Southeast Alaska Native people wear both traditional and new regalia. New regalia follow many of the same designs and principles of traditional regalia, but with new themes and materials, minus some of the rituals.<br />
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Many aspects of Southeast Native culture are reinforced through making and wearing regalia.<br />
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Hudson said making regalia has therapeutic value, almost like medicine. She names cultural identity, sense of place, spiritual connection and pride in one's heritage as important aspects of making and wearing regalia.<br />
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"One of the things that is very important to the people, especially the grandmothers and mothers because it's mostly the women who make the regalia, is that they want to give identity to their children so they know where they come from. ... It gives a sense of place in the world when they know," Hudson said.<br />
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"There is a sense of pride when they put on the robe. ... There's a spiritual aspect that comes with it. When you have this spiritual connection it can better your life because the spirit affects the emotion, and when the spiritual aspect is strong in you, all else will become more harmonious," she said.<br />
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"When we have that sense of well-being, we lift ourselves up and we lift up our communities at the same time, and we come full circle. And the songs continue." and on a deeper personal note…tag:indigenouscaribbean.ning.com,2008-09-16:2030313:Comment:126402008-09-16T22:31:25.449Zadem medina cardonahttps://indigenouscaribbean.ning.com/profile/ademmcardona
and on a deeper personal note<br />
I lived in Oregon for 19 years and wore suits to work for 10 of those<br />
when I moved to Puerto Rico I wore flip flops and swim wear (I owned a kayak excursion company)<br />
when I moved back I had somewhat of a panicked feeling...<br />
what was I going to wear???<br />
jajaja!<br />
it's cold here, so I can only wear flip flops in the summer<br />
but it hardly became the issue in our sudden cultural adjustment!<br />
time do change and so does our clothing
and on a deeper personal note<br />
I lived in Oregon for 19 years and wore suits to work for 10 of those<br />
when I moved to Puerto Rico I wore flip flops and swim wear (I owned a kayak excursion company)<br />
when I moved back I had somewhat of a panicked feeling...<br />
what was I going to wear???<br />
jajaja!<br />
it's cold here, so I can only wear flip flops in the summer<br />
but it hardly became the issue in our sudden cultural adjustment!<br />
time do change and so does our clothing