American Indian Culture is as diverse as the general culture of the United States. Though Native Americans have lived in the region for much longer than immigrant American families, their histories and ethnicities still vary. American Indian art is influenced by the tribe in which an artist is a member, as well as his geographical location. Traditionally, art served as a description of tribal origin, as well as a physical showcase for the magic and myths a particular tribe observed. For instance, eastern tribes created decorative pottery and woven baskets. The baskets were created from the birch trees that filled the area. Great Plains Indians did not have access to the same materials and their lives focused mainly on hunting buffalo. Their art was created to enhance the hunting experience and featured comfortable moccasin shoes and feather headdresses.
Prior to interacting with Europeans who relocated to America, Native Americas rarely produced non-utilitarian art. When tools were created, there was emphasis placed on artistic style or beauty. That changed with the European influence on Native Americans. Europeans stole or purchased many of the pieces created by American Indians, but through time Native Americans realized the value of their art and began creating pieces intended for sale to tourists and collectors. Popular items now include jewelry, textiles and ceramics.
In addition to the creation of art for decorative purposes, the contact with Europeans also resulted in mistreatment of Native Americans. Indians were forced from their homeland and eventually into segregated reservations. These experiences had, and continue to have, a major influence on Native American art. The violence, disenfranchisement and abuse are common themes in American Indian paintings, drawings and carvings.
Many Native American art pieces are primarily used as tools. Europeans appreciated the handicraft work and began collecting these pieces, which were never intended to be works of art. Fiber arts include quilts and blankets, usually made by Native American women. Cooking and hunting tools were created with survival in mind and not with an intention to have the items displayed in a museum as art pieces. Baskets were woven into intricate patterns to create sturdier, more useful vessels, but today those baskets are valuable handicrafts sold by Native Americans to collectors from all walks of life.