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'Racist' Native American tapestry 'should not be displayed' | |
(1 day later) | |
A British tapestry depicting Native Americans as "subhuman, warlike savages" should not be put on public show, campaigners say. | A British tapestry depicting Native Americans as "subhuman, warlike savages" should not be put on public show, campaigners say. |
The 267ft (81m) New World Tapestry perpetuates a "racist tradition", the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) said. | The 267ft (81m) New World Tapestry perpetuates a "racist tradition", the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) said. |
But designer Tom Mor said the claims were "rubbish". | But designer Tom Mor said the claims were "rubbish". |
The work, depicting North American colonisation between 1583 and 1642, may feature in an upcoming anniversary. | The work, depicting North American colonisation between 1583 and 1642, may feature in an upcoming anniversary. |
It took 256 volunteers from Devon and Dorset 20 years to complete the tapestry, with the final stitch sewn by Prince Charles in 2000. | It took 256 volunteers from Devon and Dorset 20 years to complete the tapestry, with the final stitch sewn by Prince Charles in 2000. |
It was put into storage in 2008 by Bristol City Museum because of its size. | It was put into storage in 2008 by Bristol City Museum because of its size. |
However, sections have since been made available online and could be displayed as part of plans to mark 400 years since the Mayflower left Plymouth, taking Protestant settlers to North America. | However, sections have since been made available online and could be displayed as part of plans to mark 400 years since the Mayflower left Plymouth, taking Protestant settlers to North America. |
'Misinformed opinions' | 'Misinformed opinions' |
Jacqueline Pata, executive director of NCAI, said the tapestry's depictions of Native Americans were "inaccurate" and should be removed from the public domain. | Jacqueline Pata, executive director of NCAI, said the tapestry's depictions of Native Americans were "inaccurate" and should be removed from the public domain. |
"It shamelessly perpetuates a centuries-long artistic tradition that seeks to portray Native people as subhuman, warlike savages. | "It shamelessly perpetuates a centuries-long artistic tradition that seeks to portray Native people as subhuman, warlike savages. |
"Unfortunately, too many Americans form their misinformed opinions of Native people based on such inaccurate, harmful depictions of who we supposedly were and are, as somehow 'less than' other Americans. | "Unfortunately, too many Americans form their misinformed opinions of Native people based on such inaccurate, harmful depictions of who we supposedly were and are, as somehow 'less than' other Americans. |
"It is time for this racist tradition in all of its forms - whether art tapestries or football helmet logos - to end, once and for all." | "It is time for this racist tradition in all of its forms - whether art tapestries or football helmet logos - to end, once and for all." |
But Mr Mor said there was nothing racist about the depictions of Native Americans, who were represented in the same cartoon style as the colonisers. | But Mr Mor said there was nothing racist about the depictions of Native Americans, who were represented in the same cartoon style as the colonisers. |
"It's rubbish, it's not racist, what's racist about it?," he said. | "It's rubbish, it's not racist, what's racist about it?," he said. |
"Mine is a cartoon, but it is a reality. | "Mine is a cartoon, but it is a reality. |
"It's reality, we slaughtered the Native Americans, and they slaughtered us. | "It's reality, we slaughtered the Native Americans, and they slaughtered us. |
"It's no use pretending about it or being shocked by it." | "It's no use pretending about it or being shocked by it." |
The depictions were based on watercolour drawings by 16th Century artist John White, Mr Mor explained. | The depictions were based on watercolour drawings by 16th Century artist John White, Mr Mor explained. |
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