Blog 1

    The Massachusetts state flag reflects the colonial violence brought upon the Native Americans of the region. The transmission of disease, the exploitation of resources, unwelcome guardianship and a myriad of other European impositions disrupted the way of life for the Massachusett people. The most obvious divergence between the Massachusett Tribal Nation flag and the Massachusetts state is the added motif of an arm holding a colonial sword. The placement and angle of the motif in what resembles the backswing motion of a sword strike evoke a looming sense of extortion over the indigenous figure. The imagery characterizes the enforcement of Puritan laws and customs in their pursuit of European hegemony in the New World. The forced assimilation of the Massachusett people became evident in everything from the redesign of the wetus to the attire of Native Americans. The state flag is redolent of the violent and insensitive exertion of authority over the Massachusett homeland.

   

    To memorialize the first occupants of Cambridge, I would suggest somehow spotlighting the beliefs and customs of the indigenous people that were diluted and ostracized from the colonial consciousness. Perhaps a series of benches around Cambridge with sculptures of seated indigenous people that invite pedestrians to sit next to and engage with the culturally accurate depictions. The intimacy of sitting next to a life-size sculpture could promote a connection and conversation as you both gaze at the surrounding landscape. Each bench could house a different member of the natives that inhabited Cambridge with information about their skills and responsibility within their tribe. Furthermore, manitous could also be included in such a series of monuments along with their significance to the indigenous people.