A Native reminder; right in the heart of Berlin

By Rachael Farnworth

I think many of us can agree that the image above completely fits the stereotype that crops up in our minds when we think of the 'Native American' or, 'Red Indian' appearance; the feather head-dress; the playing of panpipes and the presence of a dream catcher, being among the most popular associations that Europeans attach to the Native culture.

But even so, seeing and capturing this street musician in the centre of Berlin, at Alexanderplatz, immediately evoked questions in me: What is this mans story? Is he busking merely to attract tourists and make money, or is there a bigger statement being made here? Even though many of us are familiar with the Native American stereotype this man represents, is it not still somewhat out of place in a European capital? The fact that we are aware of the Native American stereotype at all surely means that the culture has been and continues to be influential; otherwise it would be completely alien to us, wouldn't it? My aim is to address these questions using the knowledge I have gained from various sources as well as giving my personal insight as an ‘influenced European’ into my chosen ‘artifact’.

Let us first look directly at the appearance of this man, and what it may tell us about his background. The headdress he is wearing is an example of an impressive eagle-feather warbonnet, important for ceremonial purposes and usually worn by chiefs and warriors, although rarely during battle. Although this type of headdress is the most commonly recognised and appears in many western TV shows and films, these types of headdresses were actually only worn by a limited number of tribes in the Great Plains region such as the Sioux, Cheyenne and Blackfeet. With this in mind, we could presume that this man’s heritage links to one of the Great Plains tribes; perhaps Lakota Sioux warrior blood runs through his veins and he is proudly and intentionally presenting that for all at Alexanderplatz to see.  Alternatively, to take a cynical view, the man’s ‘traditional’ appearance could be nothing more than a means of meeting and fuelling a cultural European stereotype in order to make people stop, listen and contribute money. This brings us onto the question of the music the man was playing and promoting, and the purpose behind it.

I heard the soothing sounds of panpipe music at Alexanderplatz, before I actually saw the panpipe player. Just hearing this particular instrument, conjured up thoughts of a powerful Native tribal ceremony. Although Greek mythology arguably accounts for the creation of the ‘pan flute’ (made out of reeds) over 6000 years ago, It is believed that the first North American musical flutes were made out of the hollow wing bone of an eagle, and at first appeared as single ‘whistles’.  The idea of ‘panpipes’ - a group of said whistles - came at a later date.

On seeing the panpipe player, I realised the direct purpose of the playing; to earn money from public contributions and the selling of his CDs and DVDs, whilst promoting Native American Music. I wondered indirectly whether this act was through a sense of cultural pride and a want to share it with others, not merely a money making exercise. Whilst watching and listening it was hard not to notice the presence of a microphone and a set of large black speakers which carried the sound further and played an additional backing track. Perhaps this observation further supports the money making argument because the use of modern, western-world technology appeals to a Berlin audience. If this man really does have Native heritage, this idea also indicates the Native American exposure to white-western culture, just as white westerns have come to know something of Native American culture albeit in a stereotypical sense.

Although Europeans are aware of some aspects of the Native culture, seeing this musical act in the heart of Berlin definitely seemed misplaced and a little strange to behold. Then again, perhaps that is one of the purposes of mainstream tourism; to showcase something extraordinary in an out-of-place situation. The idea of feeling out of place or alienation is a strong theme in Native American literature. In particular Zitkala-Ša’s looks at how white man’s influence through education completely alienated Native Americans as they were neither white enough nor native enough to feel a true sense  of belonging with either culture. I wondered inwardly if the man at Alexanderplatz felt at all vulnerable, exposed or out-of-place in the same way that many Native Americans did, and still do generations later. To see a man in Native American dress, playing panpipe music whilst being surrounded by commuters, shoppers and tourists seemed to highlight a stark contrast between a European capitalist society and a reminder of a ceremonial, communal culture based on completely different principles.

On a similar notion, my eye was then led towards the word ‘citizen’; the name of a shop that appears in the photo above the musicians head.  Its presence seemed ironic and almost satirical to me given how Native Americans were not thought of as American citizens, and are still subject to prejudice today.  Throughout history, Natives were viewed as lesser beings that needed to be turned into ‘real people’ who adhered to the ways of white men.  This said, perhaps this street musician really was proving a point. Maybe through sharing the Native American culture on the streets of Berlin, he meant to mock or highlight the mistreatment of Native Americans by the white man. On the other hand, perhaps he wanted to show that the traditions of his culture have not been diminished despite past events and furthermore he is proud of his roots. Equally his adherence to the European stereotype could indicate the depletion of Native American culture, so much so that in order for him to make a living he busks and sells his music, merely a shadow of his former self.

The intentions of this street musician and whether there is a bigger statement being made here, are unknown to us as simple spectators. What can be said though, is that he will have influenced passers-by and made and impression in their minds; whether they are lasting or momentary. This proves that, however you choose to interpret this ‘stereotypical’ artifact, Native American culture does emerge in a European context; specifically Berlin in this case.

Sources:
http://www.panflutejedi.com/pan-flute-history.html
http://www.native-languages.org/headdresses.htm
William Apess, An Indian’s Looking Glass for the White Man
Zitkala-Ša, Impressions of an Indian Childhood