American Indian Symbols
Object Description
While living in Berlin, Germany, Hartley created what he called his Amerika paintings—semi-abstract compositions that incorporate motifs from Indigenous cultures. Part of this series, American Indian Symbols portrays rows of stylized tipis framed within colorful shapes and patterns of Hartley’s own invention. At the time, Hartley did not have direct experience with the Indigenous peoples of North America; he had only encountered artifacts displayed in museums in Berlin and Paris. Decontextualized from their original function and meaning, these artifacts inspired his romanticized imaginings. Simultaneously, they provided Hartley an ideal subject through which he could proclaim and promote his Americanness to audiences in Europe, particularly in Germany, where stereotypical depictions of American Indians featured prominently in popular culture. Hartley’s interest in Indigenous cultures eventually drew him to New Mexico, where he became an outspoken critic of federal efforts to ban traditional Pueblo dances.
—Text taken from the Carter Handbook (2023)
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Teacher Resources
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How do artists use simple geometric shapes to make complex compositions?
What role does symmetry play in a work of art?
What is a symbol, and why might an artist incorporate symbols in a work of art?
How have representations of Black, Indigenous, people of color, and other marginalized communities changed over time?
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Grades Pre-K–1
Activity 1
Have students fold a sheet of paper in half and practice drawing shapes on one side. Then have students unfold the sheet and practice creating symmetry on the other half.Activity 2
Read the book And to Name Just a Few: Red, Yellow, Green, Blue by Laurie Rosenwald. Point out how the artist has used red, white, and blue in his painting. Ask students what other objects they know of that are these three colors and have them sketch these objects in the appropriate colors.All Levels
Have students think of all the symbols that are significant in their everyday lives and create a portrait of themselves incorporating these symbols.