Kitsch:
“Art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way” (OED)
“A form of art that is an inferior, often gaudy, or an imitation of a famous piece of art that is created for popular appeal or uncultivated taste.” (dictionary.com)
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In my research, I use kitsch as both an object and analytical framework to look at how kitsch embodying indigenous aesthetics encapsulates American Indian stereotypes in material ways. The tangibility of these stereotypes are objects we interact with in our lives, which is why they are so powerful.
Examples of Indian kitsch include this teepee-shaped teapot with Indian person spigot, this fast-fashion dreamcatcher necklace, this teepee-shaped bird feeder, and this “Native American Boy” Precious Moments porcelain figurine. These items were not created by Natives and were designed by non-Natives; however, they have recognizable aesthetics (such as headdresses, feathers, fringe, cone-shaped buckskin tents) that the general masses recognize to be “Indian.”
