'All Our Relations' convene in Cotuit

'The largest exhibition of Wampanoag art ever displayed,' up though June 29

Julia Marden’s painted gourd (with thunderbird woman design from Isaac Murdock) joins Anita ‘Mother Bear’ Peters’ ‘Traditional Regalia’ for women and men. On the far wall Marden’s versatility displays; four wampum belts, symbolic narratives.

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“More than 100 works of art from 26 artists,” mused Paula Peters, a Mashpee Wampanoag. “This certainly is the largest collection of Wampanoag art ever displayed. I’d stake my reputation on it.”

Paula was ambling through two floors at the Cotuit Center for the Arts, pausing before each piece to offer insights about artists as well as work. She and her friend Michelle St. John co-curated the show, soliciting and culling from members of the Mashpee, Aquinnah, Herring Pond, Chappaquiddick, and Assonet communities.

St. John, an accomplished actor and director/producer, on the board at Cotuit, played a key role in helping the center “engage more” with the Indigenous community but could not join our impromptu tour; she was in Bermuda at a pow wow that connects her to ancestors enslaved there, another ugly piece of history not often recounted.

Here and now, evocative variety rewards close attention. There are traditional forms, materials, and processes harkening back (also reinvented) alongside paint on canvas or board, video with an eclectic score. Some work is overtly political, some subtly so, some not at all (if that’s possible). Some offer a visual narrative, others whimsical like Indigenous versions of Wonder Woman, the Hulk, and Superman painted on drum heads. Dolls evoke much more than child’s play.

“Wearable art is a big thing,” said Paula; necklaces of wampum (as well as eagle talons!), beaded earrings, traditionally inspired clothing. Rigid and foolish distinctions between “arts” and “crafts” disintegrate.

I wish I could offer a glimpse of every piece, but hopefully this whets appetites. In-person witness is the real way anyway, and there’s time for that:

The show is up through June 29.

Kerri Helme’s ‘Woven Through Us.’ A modern version of a large basket Wampanoags have used to hold anything from seed to clothing, implements, sometimes left in storage as people migrated seasonally. “Reconnecting to this skill and the passion to create this again is very important,” said Peters.

Annawon Weedon’s ‘Seven Generations Wampum Necklace’ and ‘Spirit Face Wampum Necklace.’ His one-man performance ‘First Light Flashback,’ staged at the Center May 30 and 31, added a profound theatrical dimension to opening night.

Co-curator Paula Peters with ‘Wampanoag Wampum Belt.’ More than 100 people participated in its creation.

Hartman Deetz is known for jewelry as well as paintings.

Ej Mills Brennan’s ‘Han Dun Vest.’ She sometimes works with wool sheared from her own animals.

Brennan also contributed ‘Eastern People.’ Hand and needle woven, mixed wool.

‘Bald Eagle Talon Necklace’ by Ryan Derby ‘Badger.’ Talons, abalone, antique chevron, brass beads.

Nitana Hicks Greendeer’s ‘Wampum and Floral.’ Cotton, satin ribbon, and glass beads. Wampum invoked without using it.

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