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Archaeological Indices of Resistance: Diversity in the Removal Period Potawatomi of the Western Great Lakes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Mark R. Schurr
Mark R. Schurr*
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 ([email protected])
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Abstract

Dichotomies or bipolar scales usually provide the conceptual framework for discussions of historic period Native American cultural change in the western Great Lakes. Archaeological and historical studies of Removal period (A.D. 1795-1840) Potawatomi of northern Indiana and southern Michigan provide challenges to common dichotomous frameworks used to define identity, political affiliation, geographic location, or other attributes of individual Potawatomi. Examples of these classifications include dichotomies such as Catholic vs. Non-Catholic, assimilationist vs. traditionalist, or accommodationist vs. non-accommodationist (among others). Case studies of four Potawatomi, two of whom successfully resisted removal (Pokagon and Benack) and two who did not (Menominee and Ashkum), illustrate the need for multiple lines of evidence that facilitate comparisons between diverse communities living in a rapidly changing world. Relations with the colonizer were the most significant element related to successful resistance. Site location provides a visible signal of these wider social ties extending beyond the local community.

Resumen

Resumen

Las dicotomías o escalas bipolares suelen proporcionar el marco conceptual para las discusiones en torno al cambio cultural de los Nativos Americanos durante el período histórico. Los estudios arqueológicos e históricos del período Removal (desplazamiento) Potawatomi (1795-1840 D.C.) en el norte de Indiana y el sur de Michigan proporcionan un desafío a los marcos dicotómicos tradicionales como, por ejemplo, Católicos frente a no Católicos, asimilacionistas frente a tradicionalistas, o los a favor de aceptar el cambio frente a los que no (y muchos otros), como consecuencia de la gran diversidad de respuestas a las condiciones cambiantes. El estudio de cuatro grupos Potawatomi, de los cuales dos resistieron con éxito la retirada (Pokagon y Benack) y dos no (Menominee y Ashkum), ilustra la necesidad de múltiples líneas de investigación que faciliten las comparaciones entre las diferentes comunidades que vivieron en un mundo en constante cambio. Las relaciones con el colonizador constituyeron el elemento más significativo en relación con el éxito de la resistencia. La ubicación de los asentamientos nos ofrece una señal evidente de estos vínculos sociales más amplios y que fueron más allá de la comunidad local.

Type
Articles
Information
American Antiquity , Volume 75 , Issue 1 , January 2010 , pp. 44 - 60
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 2010

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