1

The Cultural Iceberg behind Metis Sash

Student Name

Instructor

Institution

date
 2

Provide an image of an artifact and explain how it was created and what indigenous nation

it represents. Explain why you decided to choose this artifact.

The term Metis refers to a distinct indigenous people in Canada with a unique culture that

has evolved over many generations. The Metis Nation emerged due to intermarriage and cultural

exchange between European settlers and Indigenous Canadians, particularly in the western

regions of Canada. They are known for their artistry, and one of their most important cultural

artifacts is the "Metis sash," also known as "ceinture fléchée" in French. This sash is created

through finger-weaving using brightly colored wool or silk thread. In the past, it was often worn

around the waist as a decorative accessory or to hold clothing in place.

Figure 1: An image of Metis Sash

The Metis sash represented the Metis Nation and their distinct culture, and it was an

essential part of their identity. It was also a practical item used for various purposes, such as a

rope, a bandage, or a saddle cinch. The sash was traditionally hand-woven and could take several

hours to complete. The technique used to create the sash is complex and requires skill and

patience, which offers a glimpse of the complex cultural iceberg of the indigenous creators. The

sash is made using a variety of colors, and each color has significance in theMetis's history

(Hahm 2021). For example, blue represents the sky and water, red represents life and blood,

green represents land and growth, and white represents purity. It depicts an essential symbol of
 3

Metis' identity and cultural heritage. The artists made them to represent the blending of European

and Indigenous cultures, and it became a testament to the creativity and resilience of the Metis

people. The Metis sash remains an essential part of Metis culture, often worn during cultural

ceremonies and events.

Explain how an indigenous nation's history and religious/spiritual beliefs influenced the

creation of an artifact.

Indigenous nations worldwide have a rich history and spiritual beliefs that have

influenced the creation of many important artifacts. These artifacts are often seen as sacred and

hold significant cultural and spiritual meaning for the Indigenous people who created them. A

good example is the Dreamcatcher, a traditional item of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) people, which

carries some spiritual implications. According to Bédard (2020), the Dreamcatcher was created

by a spiritual leader who envisioned a spider's web above her bed. She realized that the web was

filtering out the bad dreams and allowing the good dreams to pass through. Inspired by this

vision, she created the Dreamcatcher to capture bad dreams and prevent them from affecting

people's sleep.

The Dreamcatcher is typically made using a circular hoop made of willow branches or

other materials, with a web-like design woven through the center of the hoop. The web is often

adorned with various objects such as feathers, beads, or shells, and it is believed that these

objects help to capture and hold onto bad dreams. The Dreamcatcher is more than just a

decorative item for the Anishinaabe people. It is a symbol of their cultural heritage and spiritual

beliefs. The Dreamcatcher is a tool for spiritual protection and is believed to have the power to

bring good luck and positive energy into people's lives. The creation of the Dreamcatcher was

influenced by the Anishinaabe's spiritual beliefs and their desire to protect themselves from
 4

negative energy and bad dreams. The Dreamcatcher is just one example of how Indigenous

nations have used their history and spiritual beliefs to create important artifacts with deep

cultural and spiritual significance.

Explain how the geography and climate of an indigenous nation's territory impacted the

artifact they created.

The geography and climate of an Indigenous nation's territory have significantly shaped

the artifacts they created. According to Ford et al. (2020), Indigenous people worldwide have

always been resilient about their environment and have developed a deep understanding of their

natural resources. This understanding has allowed them to create artifacts that are both functional

and beautiful and that are perfectly suited to the unique challenges of their environment. An

example of how geography and climate have influenced the creation of Indigenous artifacts is the

Inuit parka, a traditional garment worn by the Inuit people of the Arctic region. The Inuit parka is

made from animal hides, typically seal or caribou, and is designed to keep the wearer warm in

the harsh Arctic climate.

The Inuit people lived in the Arctic region for thousands of years and developed a deep

understanding of their natural resources. The parka remains a perfect example of how they have

used this knowledge to create a garment perfectly suited to their environment's challenges. The

parka is designed to be warm and durable while also communicating the importance of cultural

warmth and togetherness amidst changes in political weather. The parka would be adorned with

beautiful designs and decorations unique to the Inuit culture. These designs often depicted

animals, such as polar bears, using traditional techniques like embroidery or applique. The Inuit

parka is just one example of how the geography and climate of an Indigenous nation's territory

have influenced the artifacts they created. Indigenous people worldwide have used their deep
 5

understanding of their environment to create functional and beautiful objects that reflect their

culture and heritage.

Applicable lessons

Appreciating and respecting cultural diversity

I have learned about the rich cultural diversity across different Indigenous nations

worldwide. One important takeaway I will apply is the need to appreciate and respect the diverse

cultures in our world. I will apply it in real life by actively seeking to learn about different

cultures, avoiding stereotypes, and embracing the differences between people.

Understanding the role of history and spiritual beliefs in culture

The creation of Indigenous artifacts is often influenced by the history and spiritual

beliefs of the people who created them. I have learned the importance of understanding the

history and beliefs of different cultures. I can apply this by learning about the history and beliefs

of different cultures and approaching cultural differences with an open mind.

The importance of adapting to the environment

Indigenous people have always been deeply connected to their environment and have

adapted their way of life to the unique challenges of their environment. I discovered the

importance of adapting to a new environment and finding ways to live sustainably. I intend to

apply apply this in real life by reducing our negative environmental effects and instead finding

ways to live in harmony with the natural world.

The value of traditional knowledge and practices

Indigenous people have developed a wealth of traditional knowledge and practices passed

down through generations. I have learned the value of preserving and incorporating traditional
 6

knowledge and practices into our modern lives. I can apply it by seeking out traditional

knowledge and practices in our communities and incorporating them into my daily life.

Embracing functional and sustainable design

Indigenous artifacts are often designed to be functional and sustainable, considering the

environment's unique challenges. I have learned the importance of embracing functional and

sustainable design. I will apply it by seeking out products that are designed to be sustainable and

by making conscious choices that reduce our environmental impact.

The power of symbolism and cultural expression

Indigenous artifacts often contain powerful symbols and designs that reflect the cultural

heritage of the people who created them. It reminds me of the power of symbolism and cultural

expression and how they can be used to celebrate our cultural heritage. We can apply it when

exploring our cultural heritage and finding ways to express it through art, music, or other forms

of creative expression.

Fostering intercultural dialogue and understanding

The lesson also highlighted the importance of fostering intercultural dialogue and

understanding. I learned the importance of engaging in open and honest conversations with

people from different cultures and finding common ground and shared experiences. I will apply

this in real life by actively seeking opportunities to engage with people from different cultures

and approaching these conversations with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

6-word story

Embrace diversity, and respect cultural heritage.

Learn the history, and value traditional knowledge.

Adapt to the environment, live sustainably.

Design functionally, sustainably, embrace symbolism.

Foster dialogue, understanding, celebrate differences.

References

Bédard, R. E. M. (2020). Holding and carrying our babies: A gift-giving practice in

Anishinaabeg mothering cultural traditions. Canadian Woman Studies, 34(1-2).

Ford, J. D., King, N., Galappaththi, E. K., Pearce, T., McDowell, G., & Harper, S. L. (2020). The

resilience of indigenous peoples to environmental change. One Earth, 2(6), 532-543.

Hahm, S. (2021). Augmenting Human Designers and Builders: Augmentation Discussed in

Architectural Design Research. In Intelligent Control: Disruptive Technologies (pp. 68-

77). RIBA Publishing.