Pictures write stories of feminism and Native American exploitation
Show can be seen at the College of Staten Island Gallery

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Foreigners, particularly Westerners know little about India, its people, the customs and culture of this vast country –  second only to China by way of population figure, but bigger in land area. Even those who have studied about India may not know the in-depth details of the diverse cultures prevailing among Indian people, living in the northern and southern States – bifurcated by languages in 1956.

This being a very wide subject for stuffing inside this limited space, an attempt is being made here to bring forth at least the differences in cultures of people of North India and South India, but it should be remembered that as an Indian, all the people of India, irrespective of regional and territorial barriers, have several aspects in common.

The virtues one can find among all Indians are –  Faith in God – whether it is one of the many Hindu Gods, Allah or Jesus; respect to elders of the family; traditional values of life preserved for generations and preached to children when they are kids; shunning evil deeds and beholding good deeds fearing justice by destiny; forbearance of life’s challenges with courage and simplicity.

True – India is plagued by poverty, illiteracy and superstitions leading to castism etc., but the binding factor from Kashmir in the North end to Kanyakumari in the South end is unity in diversity, when the nation faces any peril like war or foreign invasion. And this has been proved beyond doubt many times before.

On the cultural aspect, broadly the country can be divided into North India – those States falling north of Vindhya Hills running in the centre horizontally and those falling south of it. Excepting States of Andhra Pradesh; Karnataka; Tamilnadu and Kerala, all other States are considered North India.

Language is the predominant divider here. All North Indian States generally speak Hindi, the National Language, and its derivatives like Bhojpuri, Urdu, Gujarathi, Marathi, Bengali, Oriya and the like. Again, the basis for Hindi is the ancient language (but now extinct) Sanskrit.

South Indian States speak the derivatives of the ancient language Tamil (which is the official language of Tamilnadu) such as Telugu (Andhra Pradesh), Kannada (Karnataka), and Malayalam (Kerala).

But in all the States of India, English is used as the common language and is also recognized as the official language of India. Thanks to 300 years of British Rule, Indian Schools, Colleges and Universities are teaching for generations, impeccable British English. Indians speak and write good and chaste English as taught by text books – not the slang used by native British people by repeated usage in conversations. So any foreigner with English knowledge can comfortably tour all over India.

Ancient India, prior to Independence from British Rule, was largely scattered as separate Kingdoms and Indian history shows many rulers including great Muslim Emperors like Baber. The whole country had its capital – mostly Delhi – in North India for these native as well as alien rulers. Inevitably the cultures of North India were greatly impacted by Muslim rulers and Emperors.

But South India was comparatively peaceful during invasions, blood-shed wars and turmoil, even at the time of separation of Pakistan from India. This explains the flourishing of fine arts in whole of South India, especially Tamilnadu, with peace and harmony prevailing for centuries.

Even today each Indian State is identified in this background for diverse cultures. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Maharashtra for their bravery. West Bengal for its literary works, emotional poets like Rabindranath Tagore, simple lifestyles following communism. Orissa for its sculptures and mountain tribal lives. Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar for density in population, poverty, illiteracy and ignorance.

Food habits differ only in two ways – whole of North Indian people eating wheat and its products as main course and South Indians would not miss rice and its derivatives for anything. As for vegetarianism, the South Indians are up-front although non-veg items are taken, but not as popular as North Indian varieties.

The entire of South India consists of most Hindu temples in the country, including the monumental Tanjore Bragadeeswar Temple located in Tamilnadu, largest in size of Temple Towers.

For South Indian culture alone one can write volumes.

I saw a TV commercial last week (probably on Travel Chanel or Food Network) where an American Indian guy with braided hair was promoting his company that gives loans up to $2500 directly in to your checking account. I recall him saying “Yes, the money is expensive you can control the costs by paying it back as quickly as possible” and I thought the company name was “Western Winds” or something close to that but I cant find them any where online.

The Indians’ Book. Authentic Native American Legends, Lore and Music.

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Approx 4″ x 6″… More >>

Native American Indian~ “Eagle Spirit”~ Rare Authentic Vintage Postcard!!~ Approx 4″ x 6″

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*Picture taken in 1900 by Gertrude Kasebier… More >>

Native American~Samuel American Horse~Sioux~ Sioux Postcard~ Rare Authentic Vintage Postcard!!~ Approx 4″ x 6″

Native American dance sticks are essential tools for rituals. They represent a lot of symbolisms based on the beliefs and spirituality of Native American tribes. This article will provide an overview of the traditional uses of the Native American dance sticks for traditional rituals.

Dance sticks are one of the more interesting and unique artifacts that define the Native American culture as well as craft making. They are traditionally used by the bravest of the tribe, the warriors, who dance in important events like tribal ceremonies to symbolize the strength and power of the brave warrior.

Dance sticks are made in different ways and are often crafted to symbolize the power of the Native American warrior through the form of an animal. Often, the thunderbird, horses, bears, elks and deer are used. Dance sticks are normally made using feathers, leather fringe, beautiful beadwork and animal hide.

The Native American dance stick is a good representation of the skilled craftmanship of these tribal people. They represent a lot of work. A genuine artifact of this type can often sell for over a hundred dollars. It is an honor to be a part the Native American people and their connection to nature.

The use of animals to represent warriors in the Native American dance sticks, evokes the affinity of man with nature. By applying the dimensions of animals to exemplify the ability and courage of the warrior, one could ascertain the extreme link of Native American civilization to the day by day lives, routines and processes of the people. Many elements representing the environment are used and fall into catagories of plant, animal and mineral kingdoms. How the warrior is connected to the environment and his surroundings, is shown by the harmony and spiritual energy of the three kingdoms.

As time passes, the Native American dance stick has grown in popularity. There is a lot that can be learned about the Native American tribes when one stops to observe the carving, structure, use of color and materials on these unique dance sticks.

When buying a dance stick, one should pay close attention to the details to ensure authenticity. Today, there are many imitation dance sticks due to commercialization and mass production which offers a lower quality product. Purchasing an authentic dance stick requires one to be cautious or enlisting the help of a professional in the field.

Local Reno Nevada TV News station small segment of American Indian Dance Theatre doing a group Hand Drum song. It quits out really at the end, but the singing great. This is the type of singing you would hear at Hand Drum competition at Indian and First Nation Pow wows.

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*Approx 4″ x 6″ *Photo taken by Edward S Curtis… More >>

Native American Indian~ Chief Joseph~ Nez Perce~Rare Authentic Vintage Postcard!!~ Approx 4″ x 6″

Inside an Explorers’ Club Meeting: CT Native Jon Turk Regales Rapt Audience
With last night’s soggy weather transforming everyone’s commute home into an arduous trek, it seemed only fitting that the Explorer’s Club hosted Jon Turk, a man well versed in the art of the treacherous trip…

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