Running Head: COLLISION OF CULTURES BETWEEN EUROPEAN AND NATIVE AMERICAN GROUPS 1

Collision of Cultures Between European and Native American Groups

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Artifact Description

I have selected an Eye dazzler rug as the artifact from National Museum of American

Indian. This elaborate and colorful fabric has strong geometric designs, which are coupled with a

collection of vibrant colors that make it very eye-catching.

Representation of Cultural Collision

The Eye Dazzler rug is a cultural collision between Native Americans and other cultures.

The brilliant colors and ornate designs suggest a fusion of Native American weaving methods

with the exuberant style brought on by cultural communication, likely European or Hispanic

influences. The extensive utilization of intense synthetic fabrics, not prevalent among Native

American weaving practices, displayed the fusion of materials and ways that accented

transformation brought about in human cultures.

Impact of Cultural Collision

Without the clash of civilizations, this artifact would most probably lack a distinctive

color scheme and elaborate ornamentation, which makes it an "Eye dazzler." Traditional

weaving methods may not have involved such impressive patterns and unnatural colors that stem

from interactions with foreign powers.

Values Associated with the Artifact

The Eye dazzler rug demonstrates Native American community values, like adaptability

and creativity. It represents the capacity to incorporate external factors into native practices

without losing cultural identity. The artistry and artistic qualities imbued by the rug also

reinforce cultural pride and masterful craft.

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Further Questions

This artifact raises the question of what cultural particularities influenced its creation.

What external influences, whether European, Hispanic, or others, were incorporated in

constructing this rug? Also, studying the importance of Eye dazzler rugs in Native American

society can provide further insights into how their makers interpreted their cultural meanings and

stories from such carpets.

Link: https://americanindian.si.edu/collections-search/objects/NMAI_263001?

destination=edan_searchtab%3Fedan_q%3DEye%2520dazzler%2520rug

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Reference

Smith, L. E. (2016). On Indigenous Digit-al Media and Augmented Realities in Will

Wilson's eyeDazzler: Trans-customary Portal to Another Dimension. Public, 27(54), 122-127.