to cause harm. Really. Truly. I am heartbroken over this. But I have been contacted by a member of the Tuscarora Nation that my posts on the subject are being seen as, umm, I guess you could say an infringement on their culture and I've been asked to stop sharing the stitch techniques. I can only assume they feel they should be the only ones to share this knowledge and they want to choose with whom they share it. I think that is a shame. I've never been competitive and it's just my nature to want to share. I am truly sorry for offending anyone.
All posts in which I have shared the techniques have been deleted (a mere 2 posts, I might add), as well as my YouTube videos (a whopping 3). I will also discontinue the Tuscarora Tuesday posts. I will continue to admire and appreciate the history of the pieces, but will no longer actively promote the preservation of this art form.
I came across this a while ago and thought it very appropriate to share with you now:
AMEN TO THAT.
14 comments:
How sad. I had never heard of Tuscarora heritage or their beautiful beading. You provided me with some great history and beauty of their work that I would not have had an opportunity to view. Your 'beading heart' was in the right place.
I don't quite get what they are upset about. You have never claimed it to be your work and have only ever spoken of the pieces with praise. Anyhooo.
I wouldn't take it too personally as you have certainly not done anything wrong.
Karyn
I agree, what a shame.
I echo everyone else--all you did was enlighten your readers with the beauty of this bead work. As a fellow New Yorker, I certainly enjoyed reading about a native tradition in my own state.
how terribly sad that they cannot appreciate someone appreciating them. i also had never heard of the tuscaroras, and now many many others who come to your blog will not know either.
Apparently that member of the nation is not aware that the beading techniques used are not unique to their tribe, nor did they originate the techniques used.
Luckily for them someone was willing to share the techniques with the tribe.
I abhor that kind of attitude and I'm happy to say my NA friends don't share it.
What a sad statement. I looked forward to your tuesdays and your tutorials. I hope you take our statements from here to show them just how many people have been affected by them not wanting to share and how many others will be denied this rare look into their heritage...which will become forgotten if not thru sharing. I know your heart was in the right place but i do question theirs. Sending you big hugs Beth
I love your Tuscarora posts, I'm sorry that you feel you have to discontinue them. Is the requester asking on behalf of the Nation?
Like I said. Its Indian politics that we don't understand. BUT, I don't think anyone OWNS these techniques. Beaders are generous and like to share their knowledge. So, just accept this and move on. AND don't feel bad. ITS NOT ABOUT YOU.
XX, Carol
Thanks so much for all your comments. I really can't say too much more, because I don't want to sound like a snot, but now that the sadness has passed, I'm pissed. But rather than start a 'war', I'm going to just let this whole thing pass and forget about it. It's their loss.
I am really shocked by this. I wonder if your critics realize that many of us had never before heard of this artform until you introduced us to it, and that we looked forward to each Tuscarora post, appreciating your respect for the tradition you were sharing. I understand your decision, but it makes me sad.
Denise
http://needlework.craftgossip.com
*sigh I would have acted the same way...and felt the same way.
And I agree with Denise. Without your posts, most of us would have had no idea that this artform even existed. Now at least, I am aware of this native American form of beading and will know to look for it.
And I love the thought about giving everything away. Amen is right. xoxo
Just wanted to point out that indigenous people are already quite familiar with the concept of giving, it's why there are giveaways.
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