What the sale of Manhattan doesn't tell us about Native Americans | T.M. Rives | TEDxGowanus

Summary

This script delves into the obscured history of New York City's indigenous roots, challenging the conventional narrative of Manhattan's purchase. It scrutinizes the city's symbols, like the misunderstood 'sinister' figure on the city seal, and the misrepresentation of Native Americans, exemplified by the erroneous use of a Plains Indian war bonnet. The speaker also addresses the misconception of the Dutch buying Manhattan for mere trinkets, clarifying the Lenape's use of wampum as a form of 'quasi money.' The talk advocates for a deeper understanding of the Lenape's sophisticated culture and their harmonious relationship with nature, urging a reevaluation of the city's historical narratives.

Takeaways

• 🗽 New York City has few places named after the original inhabitants, with 'Gowanus' being one of the few remnants of Native American heritage.
• 🏞️ The meaning behind the name 'Gowanus' is unclear, reflecting the broader uncertainty surrounding the history and culture of the Native Americans who lived in the area for thousands of years before European arrival.
• 🤝 A common myth is that the Dutch purchased Manhattan from Native Americans for a few trinkets, but the concept of money and the nature of the transaction were very different for the Lenape people.
• 🎭 The official seal of New York City features a sailor and a Native American, but the supposed names 'Dexter' and 'Sinister' are actually Latin terms for 'right' and 'left', not actual names.
• 📜 Historical records often misrepresent or oversimplify the interactions between Native Americans and European settlers, such as the Dutch.
• 🧵 Wampum, often referred to as beads in historical accounts, was a form of 'quasi money' used by the Lenape for trade but had a different cultural significance than modern currency.
• 🌿 The Lenape were skilled in managing their environment, using resources sustainably and had a deep spiritual connection to nature, which contrasted with European perspectives.
• 🎨 Misrepresentations of Native American culture persist in art and monuments, such as the inaccurate depiction of a Native American in a war bonnet on the U.S. penny.
• 🏛️ The term 'lowbrow', which implies a lack of sophistication, has its roots in the false belief that the physical characteristics of Native Americans, such as a less prominent forehead, indicated a lower level of intelligence.
• 🌌 The Lenape had a rich and complex culture with beliefs and stories that are worth exploring and understanding, rather than perpetuating simplified or incorrect narratives.

Q & A

What is the significance of the name 'Gowanus' in New York City?

The name 'Gowanus' is one of the few place names in New York City that is derived from the original inhabitants, the Native Americans. However, the exact meaning of 'Gowanus' remains unclear, with theories suggesting it might be named after a chief, trees, or water, reflecting the uncertainty and the 'fuzzy' understanding of the city's indigenous history.

How does the speaker describe the Native Americans' interaction with the Europeans upon their arrival?

The speaker describes the Native Americans as being very cheerful, eager, and helpful towards the Europeans. They were depicted as coming towards the Europeans with great shouts of admiration and showing them where to land safely, which was seen as being 'too cheerful' by some, like the first pastor of New York.

What is the foundation myth of New York City involving the Native Americans and the Dutch?

The foundation myth involves the Dutch leader supposedly purchasing the island of Manhattan from the Native Americans for a handful of beads, which is a simplified and often misinterpreted story. The actual historical record consists of just one sentence in a letter from 1626, without any mention of beads or a formal deed of sale.

What is the meaning behind the terms 'Dexter' and 'Sinister' in the context of the New York City seal?

In the context of the New York City seal, 'Dexter' and 'Sinister' are Latin terms for 'right' and 'left,' respectively, and do not refer to the moral characteristics of the figures depicted. However, they have been mistakenly interpreted as the names of the sailor and the Native American, with 'Sinister' being wrongly associated with the Native American figure.

Why does the speaker mention 'wampum' and how is it related to the story of Manhattan's purchase?

Wampum refers to the beads that are often mistakenly considered as the currency used by the Dutch to purchase Manhattan. The speaker clarifies that wampum, while valuable and used for trading, was not money in the conventional sense but rather 'quasi money,' highlighting the misunderstanding of the transaction's nature.

What is the irony the speaker points out regarding the Native American's portrayal in the city's narrative?

The irony highlighted by the speaker is the stereotype of the Native American as shortsighted for 'selling' Manhattan for a few trinkets, which contrasts with the reality of their sophisticated culture and understanding of the land, as well as the actual value of the items exchanged.

How does the speaker describe the Lenape people's relationship with nature?

The Lenape people are described as having a deep connection with nature, practicing sustainable farming techniques, and holding spiritual beliefs that respected the environment and its creatures, such as believing in a spirit that calmed animals before they were hunted.

What is the significance of the term 'Shu anak' as mentioned in the script?

The term 'Shu anak' is what the Lenape called Europeans, meaning 'the salty people' or 'ocean voyagers.' It reflects the Lenape's perception of Europeans as seafarers and is the first description of the Lenape by a European explorer.

Why does the speaker criticize the use of a Plains Indian war bonnet on the Native American figure in the city seal?

The speaker criticizes the use of a Plains Indian war bonnet because it is an inaccurate representation of the local Native Americans' attire. The bonnet is a symbol of power and respect from a different cultural context, thousands of miles away, and its use in the seal is a fashion mistake that perpetuates a stereotype.

What does the speaker suggest is the value of understanding the Lenape culture and correcting misconceptions?

The speaker suggests that understanding the Lenape culture and correcting misconceptions is valuable because it provides a more accurate and respectful view of the indigenous people's history and contributions. It challenges the biases and stereotypes ingrained in the city's narrative and encourages a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the Lenape's society.