Epistemology

 Indigenous Knowledge and White Western Knowledge

In the book Indigenous Methodologies: Characteristics, Conversations, and Contexts by Maragaret Kovach she examines the differences between indigenous Knowledge and white western knowledge. In chapter three Epistemology and Research: Centering Tribal Knowledge Kovach evaluates differences in education, values, language, in holistic practices and their credibility. 

To begin her writing Kovach explains what exactly epistemology is and it is a theory about knowledge in conjunction with its methods, practices and validity, epistemology is also an investigation of the differences between a justified belief and a personal opinion. The epistemological foundation of both indigenous knowledge and western knowledge are what distinguish the two. Something interesting Kovach mentions is the standardized education system of the western world and how indigenous languages, folk tales and cultivation practices would not be able to be passed down the same way. Western knowledge has clear oppositions, it has a proper form and involves many rules and guidelines for a generic education offered to all. Western knowledge i.e. grammar, spelling, math, and science are standardized forms of education. Indigenous knowledge involves many different tribal languages that could not all be formally put into one book. Indigenous knowledge also involves tales or stories that uniquely belong to each tribe, as well as holistic practices and values. The knowledge of cultivation of livestock and agriculture also varies uniquely between tribes. Kovach’s main point is these things different cultures choose to value and teach vary and how cultures go about appreciating and educating varies. 

I really appreciate Kovach highlighting these differences in western and indigenous culture because often they go unnoticed by individuals living in western worlds and I feel we as westerns’ live less full lives due to our lack of presence in the moment. In her writing Kovach talks about the preparation for the Buffalo hunt and how everything leading up to the hunt and after the hunt is tended to with as much care as the hunt itself. In the western world today I think many people lack care in more than one department. We tend to neglect tools, clothes, furniture, cars, technology... you name it... because it can be “replaced.” We tend to be inconsiderate of others and their sacrifices, which is interesting in comparison to the buffalo hunt because indigenous people are so beautifully aware of what mother nature offers them and they are so eternally grateful from before they are served to after they are served. I think it is a remarkable kind of peace to be grateful for something you do not necessarily have in that moment, to continue to be grateful while you do have it in that moment and still be grateful after something has left. It is ironic too because many westerns’ say “...it is not the destination but it is the journey…” while they do not wholeheartedly believe that because we all rush through life. I am guilty of it as well, some days I wake up as fast as the day flies by and the sun is setting again. 

   

Maria Martinez 

Maria Martinez, Ceramic Vessel

The Woman pictured above is Maria Martinez and the following image is of one of her lovely ceramic vessels. Maria’s work was introduced to me by Professor Vicky Hansen; Vicky has made a point to show her work to students and expose us to Maria’s process and reasoning. One of the things I appreciate about pottery is how multicultural it is and has been since the very first pots. The history of ceramics is quite extensive! I remember Maria not only because she is a Native American potter but her process while making her pottery is very important to her Identity as an Indigenious female artist. She was taught to make pottery by her aunt and grandmother, their work as a family is generational. Often indigenous knowledge was and is passed down through kin and whole families will do similar practices. The black ceramic vessel was particularly influential for Maria Martinez and became very popular outside of their usual network. Maria rediscovered how to create black ceramic ware after being reached out to be an anthropologist who discovered black pottery shards in Sante Fe, New Mexico. Maria created pots for utilitarian purposes, they are not art, they are for ritual, eating, working, or the household but now they are seen as works of fine art. Her spouse gathered clay, painted her vessels and helped her fire them. Maria lived and practiced part of the tribal life of the pueblo of San Ildefonso but was also very successful selling her work in Sante Fe, New Mexico. Maria lived and died in Sante Fe enjoying tribal life; her work is continued by her sons and daughter in-law. 

“About Maria Martinez.” MariaMartinezPottery.com, https://www.mariamartinezpottery.com/about-maria-martinez.html. 

Kovach, Margaret. Indigenous Methodologies: Characteristics, Conversations, and Contexts. Chapter 3: Epistemology and Research: Centring Tribal Knowledge. University of Toronto Press, Toronto Buffalo London. Canada. 2009. Accessed 31 October, 2021.

        “Maria Martinez: Artist Profile.” NMWA, 29 May 2020, https://nmwa.org/art/artists/maria-martinez/.