Ep. 1 – Native American & Pre-Colonial Oral Traditions | American Literary Periods Series
Introduction to Native American and Pre-Colonial Oral Traditions
Overview of the Literary Period
- The lesson focuses on Native American and pre-colonial oral traditions, emphasizing that these works were not written in English and predate the establishment of the United States.
- Discussion includes historical and cultural backgrounds, key characteristics, themes, literary works, authors, and civilizations of this period.
Historical Context
- Native American cultures thrived for thousands of years before European contact, with over 500 distinct tribes each having unique languages and customs.
- Storytelling was a primary method for preserving history and guiding spiritual life within these communities.
Significance of 1607
Establishment of Jamestown
- The year 1607 marks the establishment of Jamestown as the first permanent English settlement in North America, leading to the introduction of English literature in America.
Indigenous Societies
- Prior to European arrival, North America was populated by diverse indigenous peoples with complex social structures and shared beliefs deeply connected to their land.
Oral Traditions
Characteristics of Oral Traditions
- Orality was crucial for transmitting history; storytelling involved memory and performance skills that fostered collective memory within communities.
Societal Structures
- Native American societies had varied religious beliefs (often animistic), social structures that respected women, and extensive trade networks facilitating idea exchange long before Europeans arrived.
Key Themes in Native American Literature
Major Themes
- Literature emphasized balance with nature, harmony among humans, animals, spirits, respect for ancestors/tradition/land, community over individualism.
Types of Stories
- Included myths like "Earth on Turtle's Back," trickster tales such as "Coyote and the Buffalo," reflecting cosmology and creation narratives.
Civilizations in Mesoamerica
Notable Civilizations
- Mentioned civilizations include Olmec (mother culture), Maya (advanced writing/mathematics), Teotihuacan (urban center), Zapotec, Mixtec, Aztec.
Misconceptions about Terminology
Use of "Indian"
- The term "Indian" originated from Columbus's mistake; he believed he reached India. This label inaccurately describes indigenous peoples across both Americas.
Preferred Terminology
- It is more accurate to refer to them as "Native Americans" or "indigenous peoples" due to immigration complexities associated with modern terms like Indian-American.
Impact of European Arrival
Consequences for Indigenous Peoples
- European diseases led to catastrophic demographic collapse among native populations due to lack of immunity against illnesses like measles.
Social Disruption
- Warfare disrupted traditional economies/social structures/spiritual practices causing immense suffering among indigenous communities.
Understanding Mesoamerica
Definition
- Mesoamerica refers geographically to regions from central Mexico through Central America but culturally encompasses shared traits among various indigenous groups across all Americas.
Legacy on American Literature
Lasting Influence
- Oral traditions shaped later American literature through themes related to land identity/storytelling despite being originally unwritten or non-English spoken forms.