Let’s have a Boho Holiday with this gorgeous new release from Teefy, for The Arcade. There are lots of Native American inspired items in SL, but they are not high quality, or they’re very dated items from pre-mesh days. I really admire Teefy for being one of the first designers to really explore this niche, and create such a gorgeous collection. I had a couple of ideas in mind for this shoot, but finding a nice desert sim that allowed rezzing was next to impossible.
Although Tableau is not a Native American role-play sim, the desert style and warm colors are wonderful, and serves as an amazing backdrop for this look.
The Holiday Boho Kit from Teefy includes a Leather-Made Goat Head Backpack (which I hope to show in a future post), Aurelia Summer High-Low Dress, Feather Crown Headband (rare) and Feather Headdress (rare). My favorite item is the Feather Headdress, it’s so beautiful and extremely well-made.
I was concerned that some people might view wearing this headdress in SL as disrespectful to Native American culture, so before you yell at me, I am aware of its importance and symbolism. I asked my friend in SL who is Native American if he would find my post offensive, and he said no, but if you are offended by this post, please understand that I am not presenting this in an obscene or derogatory way.
What I’m Wearing:
LeLutka – Lillian Hair (Bournville)
Teefy – Feather Headdress coming soon, The Arcade
Teefy – Aurelia Summer High-Low Dress (Aztec) S coming soon, The Arcade
Katat0nik – (Red Queen) Wonderland Pendant coming soon, The Arcade
SLink – Women’s Medium Height Barefeet
SLink – Mesh Hands (av)
Flair – Nails Set 34
About Post Author
I love the dress for everyday wear, and the headdress is perfect for rp. As you said, a lot of Native American clothing is extremely out dated and poor quality. I’d love to see mesh designers bring it up to date and provide some quality rp clothing.
I love this post! You look very pretty. Being Native American in RL I am always searching for authentic clothing in SL. But unfortunately do not have much luck. I will definitely be going to pick this up. Thank you.
Try out this outfit, by Arwen’s Creations, too, currently available at the We <3 Role-Play event. Imho, it is a very nice one as well for native role-play or just people who like the style/tradition.
http://pinterest.com/pin/538391330423730876/
Thanks 🙂
I’m so glad you said something about not offending people because I can just see someone getting offended over nothing on this picture…
Nothing, huh?
Jennifer Weston, Endangered Languages Program Manager at Cultural Survival (Hunkpapa Lakota, Standing Rock Sioux):
“When modern Natives see half-naked chicks strutting around on runways or street corners completely devoid of knowledge of our real cultures and religions, AND misrepresenting and misappropriating these sacred symbolic articles, we must demand respect for our religious practices. Such misrepresentations sexualize, commodify, and pervert our traditions — and impart to children of all cultures and backgrounds that it’s perfectly acceptable to “play dress up” as a Native person, without regard for our ceremonial practices that have persisted here for millennia despite historic violence, and recent legal acts that literally outlawed our religions until 1978! Our ancestors and our parents survive attempted genocide (for their lands) and severe discrimination (for our languages and spirituality). So to pretend that we’re fictional characters vs. real people from real cultures is not only offensive, and racist, it’s a vicious act suppressing our lived realities as Native peoples, and an appropriation of our very identities.”
Thank you.
Good job not reading the blog post, bro. Oh! And good job assuming she’s strutting around half-naked with no knowledge of its importance or symbolism.
Whoa! The detail on that headdress is beautiful! :O
Actually, the feathered warbonnet was only worn by men of the Plains tribes and never by women. Many Native Americans think that white people wearing the warbonnet (whether male or female) is akin to a minstrel show, with white people wearing blackface. In other words, Native Americans find white people wearing the warbonnet to “roleplay” or “dress up” as insensitive at best and racist at worst.
It doesn’t matter what your “Native American” friend does or does not find offensive. Most Native Americans find the misuse of the warbonnet (which most Native tribes NEVER wore) to represent all “Native Americans” to be deeply offensive.
Maybe you need to read this primer:
http://jezebel.com/5959698/a-much+needed-primer-on-cultural-appropriation
“Native Americans find white people wearing the warbonnet to “roleplay” or “dress up” as insensitive at best and racist at worst.”
Doesn’t that make them inherently racist? Just because a person’s white, they can’t wear it? Even if they’re showing respect, reference and tribute to the Native Americans? Now, really.
That’s not how racism works, but good try.
Attempting to dictate what a person can or cannot do because of their race? Yeah, yeah it is.
As a member of the Sicangu Lakota of Rosebud, South Dakota, I also want to say I find women wearing “Native” headdresses offensive, even in a virtual or fashion setting. My tribe did wear the war bonnets. The feathers on a war bonnet were earned over many years, each feather signifying an honorable or brave deed (can you imagine how many years it took to earn enough for a full feather headdress?) and only men wore them (usually only elderly men). Maybe you would understand better if you wore Jewish payot (side curls) and had a backlash against that? It’s something only men do, and in my culture, only men who have EARNED the right to wear it.
I also hope Teefy does not go through with selling the headdresses at The Arcade.
Respectfully,
Sansarya Caligari
As an Australian of european descent, I feel a need to say that I would understand and appreciate anyone saying ‘I find your wearing that native tribal costume offensive’ but *I* find the notion of any type of costume (and by that I mean stylised, ritualistic not-day-wear clothing) being reserved for one gender highly offensive.
I notice that you identified yourself as a member of a tribe rather than just “Native American”. That’s how I can tell a real Native from an impostor; real Natives nearly always proclaim their tribal affiliation.
The fact that *some* people who claim Native American heritage do not feel offended is not license to produce and wear this headdress. For many Natives, this is the equivalent of white folk dressed up in blackface and eating watermelon. If *some* African Americans said that didn’t bother them, would it make it right?
It doesn’t bother me so much if people appropriate items from other cultures that don’t have deep spiritual or religious significance. Yes, people wear Christian crucifixes as fashion accessories and many Christians are offended by that.
The most offensive part is white people saying “get over it”. Non-white folk call this “whitesplaining”: white people explain why non-white folk are wrong to be offended by (fill in the blank here for cultural or racist stereotype).
But as I don’t want to contribute further to this blog’s traffic, I will stop there. I’ve said my piece as respectfully as possible and I see that in return, gotten the usual “fuck you” flaming comments from the blog owner’s camp followers. Not my cup of tea, thanks.
You either “get it” or you don’t. As for me, boycotting all LaViere and Teefy products so long as the creator sells this item or offers it as a freebie. I like Teefy’s stuff and some of the LaViere hair, but I’m voting with my bank account.
“For many Natives, this is the equivalent of white folk dressed up in blackface and eating watermelon.” Well if it is, they’re not thinking it through. Dressing up in blackface and eating watermelon would OBVIOUSLY be to be offensive. This headdress was created out of respect and reverence for the culture. If you can’t tell the difference, you’re very shallow indeed.
Thank you for this. The comments on this post are really quite sad. Things like “if this offends you, ignore it!” and “well, it’s fine because she’s not dressing provocatively!” People are completely missing the point. SL dos make the issue complicated, but RL models have been repeatedly dragged for using headdresses in fashion shoots.
Michelle Williams: http://jezebel.com/5989947/why-is-michelle-williams-in-redface
Karlie Kloss: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/11/13/victoria-secret-apologizes-after-use-native-american-headdress-in-fashion-show/
Lana Del Rey & Gwen Stefani: http://www.dailynebraskan.com/arts_and_entertainment/article_5653e834-2fa3-11e2-929e-001a4bcf6878.html
Just because YOU personally don’t find it offensive, doesn’t mean it isn’t. Whatever Gogo INTENDED doesn’t matter. Intent is irrelevant when it comes to race issues. This was a good opportunity for people to learn WHY this is offensive and if anyone still wants to, this is a great place to start: http://nativeappropriations.com/2010/04/but-why-cant-i-wear-a-hipster-headdress.html
Before Gogo blogged this item, I had a talk with her about this, because as someone who has fought for logo issues with my own local Native American organization, I felt the need to tell her how to wear this.
I was responsible for the styling here. I did a search on MP and almost nothing came back for good clothes for her to wear. I asked her to mention this in her blog, hoping someone would take up that niche market and make some good quality clothes that are not derogatory to Native Americans.
There used to be a Native American center in SL, I visited it once. By now, it’s seriously outdated–but they used to give away what WAS good clothing back then. This is not the case anymore. Although the owner of Tee*fy herself is not NA, what she’s inadvertently done is bring up a great issue.
If you look up NA clothing on MP, you get these awful examples of things that are highly sexualized and belong in gorean sims. So, I hope someone takes something away from this and will make accurate mesh clothing now.
Also, let me say? The whole thing with only Native American men wearing the war bonnet is pretty sexist. Native Americans have female chiefs now. What’s holding everyone back?
I’ve recently decided to take up regalia for Mardi Gras Indians, and normally the chief is a male. Some people are purists and would say I’m wrong for wanting my own tribe. I think those people can sit on it and spin.
Don’t be one of those people.
THUMBS UP!
I was just complaining about someone saying that in another reply here!
You, Cake, Rule!
its a nice picture Gogo and unfortunately drops onto an uncomfortable subject as the above comments clearly highlight.
I accept, understand and would defend anyone’s right to be offended at something but I also accept, understand that we all have the freedom to choose what we do irrespective of outside influence.
Hey Gogo, lovely darling you are! Cake told me to come put what I said on plurk into your comments, so here I am. Hope it helps with the hecklers <3
Here’s my thoughts coming from a native american (and not one of those 1/16th, claim it when convenient types, but a ¼ Muckleshoot who, even with her pride, takes no offense to this post):
Chill. The Fuck. Out. Seriously. Non-christians wear crosses, non geishas wear traditional kimonos, we've got every 'costume' you can think of in Second Life, worn by people who aren't of that culture. THAT BEING SAID, ya'all need to calm down and realize SHES NOT TRYING TO OFFEND ANYONE. She's not claiming to be native, not claiming it as her own culture, not spewing insults and slander and making that fake obnoxious 'war chant' you see every non-native do. She's created an outfit, one she likes, and one I personally don't take offense to. Not to mention…headdresses like that are only worn by men so I actually find a bit of humor in it. Lord knows I've WISHED I could rock some plume at powwows like that. So calm down, stop trying to play internet justice: comment court, and just let a girl enjoy dressing up. SHEESH.
If this was the real world, and I saw someone dressed like that, YES, I'd be a lil irked (IE johnny depp wannabe native needs to go fall in a pit of tar ) But this is SECOND LIFE. There are no invisible race lines to divide us. There's our fashion, our sense of style, our ability to wear a headdress one day and go be a Hawaiian the next. At the end of the day, you're getting your knickers in a knot over a whole lotta nothing but pixels. That's my two cents. if you wanna bitch at me, fine. Just be warned that I refuse to have a battle of wits with unarmed persons. And for you natives out there that I just KNOW are gonna say I’m not a real native because I’m not getting butthurt? You can royally kiss my redskinned arse, thank you very much!
@Cake: There are ways Native women are treated that are sexist, but the wearing of a headdress and who is allowed to wear one is not one of those ways. Yes, Native women have been and are chiefs, but the headdress doesn’t signify leadership, it signifies achievement, and it is one of the few ways Native men are honored for their achievements. Women were honored in many ways, too, for their achievements in the arts, medicine, and even bravery. The women were the ones who brought the sacred pipe and the women were the ones who gave the men the drum and taught them to use it. Women are powerful and sacred in the Lakota culture, and we understand there are thing distinctly meant for men and things distinctly meant for women. The dismantling of the traditions we’ve followed for thousands of years is hurting our tribes, culture and spirituality. It’s demeaning to see people wear that headdress when they don’t know the meaning of it, they don’t honor the culture or tradition behind it, and they don’t try to understand and correct their own ignorance.
As for New Orleans krewes, that’s a whole other thing, and yes, it is another way Lakota/Dakota/Nakota culture has been co-opted by other races, but the Krewes have made it their own thing and the way they’ve adopted the headdress is at least full of meaning and honorable. Wearing it as a fashion statement is offensive.
Thanks, Sansarya. You said it better than I could. I hope people think it over and listen.
This is what another Native American woman had to say about this controversy:
“Why is this practice offensive to Natives? Let’s peel away the layers of this tacky, racist onion. For one, Ms. Kloss has no business wearing a war bonnet at all. Not only is she not Native, she hasn’t earned the honor. Among my people, the Oceti Sakowin (Sioux), war bonnets are exclusively worn by men, and each feather within a war bonnet is symbolic of a brave act of valor accomplished by that man. Not just any Tom, Dick or Harry had the privilege of wearing a war bonnet. Who wears a war bonnet? Tatanka Iyotanka, Sitting Bull. Not a no-account waif paid to prance around on stage in her underwear. This brings me to my next point: the hypersexualization of Native women. Unfortunately, these days, if you search “war bonnet” or even “Native” on the Internet, you’re likely to come across dozens of pictures of naked, or nearly naked, white women wearing headdresses. Given the epidemic levels of sexual violence Native women and girls are faced with in the United States, why can they not see how incredibly insensitive and inappropriate it is to equate Native womanhood as little more than a sexual fetish?”
The author is Ruth Hopkins, who identifies herself as Sisseton-Wahpeton/Mdewakanton/Hunkpapa.
She’s not wearing it as a fashion statement. I think you’ve missed the point of this entry–she even talks about how there needs to be accurate Native American mesh clothes in-grid.
Oh, right, you just typed out a response without reading the blog.
Well, if you’re going to be that way, then there’s no discussion to have. Go be offended. You’re only sapping energy away from yourself.
The creator of LaViere and Tee*Fy certainly did not want to harm the culture and beliefs of anyone, and even though it does somehow, it is of her choice whether sell it or not. And aside from that, she spent time and effort into these items.
Well, I’m Native American. I’m just wearing jeans and a t-shirt. “Native American” clothes is one way the mainstream culture places us in the past and keeps us there. We wear regalia when we dance at powwows and we wear certain clothing for ceremonial reasons. Other than that, “Native American” clothing is basically what everyone else wears. Go ahead and wear your virtual Native clothes. It only proves your willful ignorance.
I’ve read this blog for years, and I really appreciate Gogo’s style and her outspokenness. I’ve loved watching her evolution in SL, and I’ve bought her products (shapes, makeups) and things she recommends, and I’ve stood up for her when controversy found its way into her blog. Now I’m saying that I do find it offensive for a woman to wear a headdress, even virtually, because it clouds the real meaning of the headdress, makes it somehow less than what it is to the Lakota. I hope you all will take what I say as heartfelt .
I’ve been in Second Life since 2005, and I’ve seen people role play Native Americans, watched as the culture has been trodden in the dirt with hyper-sexual images and scenes. It is damaging to the culture and to the people its meant to portray. It’s hurtful. I’ve never spoken up about it because people should be able to fantasize and role play what they want, but this specific thing with the headdress is seriously offensive, especially when the issue has been in the (fashion) news for the past year.
That being said, I’m not going to go out and boycott Gogo or Teefy. I sincerely appreciate both these talented creators in SL. I’m just making my view clear, and I only speak for myself. The headdress is offensive, especially worn as a fashion accessory and worn by a female avatar. Call me sexist. I don’t care. If we don’t speak up when someone or something is offensive then they just go on being offensive without knowing. If they know and continue, then we know where their morals are.
Wow! I had no idea that this headdress was considered offensive by Native Americans. I grew up in a culture not knowing anything about this. However, I find the Native American clothing very fascinating and interesting. And honestly, would love to wear something like that. Also, Teefy’s arcade item is the second on my Arcade want list, even though I know how hard it is to get it. Though I have no intention of offending anyone’s sentiments wearing it. I thought Teefy dared to be very creative with this Arcade item, and I give her kudos to that!
So is Pocahontas offensive too? (I ask because I really don’t know)
Mohini Denja— I LOVE your open minded attitude, so different from some people up there! Great words!
You look stunning, I’m loving the skin you’ve been using in the last couple of posts. Absolutely gorgeous. I am looking forward to buying this … but won’t hold my breath, as I always have trouble firstly even getting into the Arcade, but also in leaving the landing zone once I’m there, lol.
Beautiful photo Gogo 🙂 I have a question about all of this. If Gogo had used a male avatar and worn the headdress with what one would consider traditional Native American attire, would that still be wrong? Or is it just off limits to everyone? Because I keep hearing women + headdress = disrespectful, but never about if a man wore it.
I get how some would find how Gogo’s use of this headdress on a white avatar could be found offensive by some (and would probably told her not to blog it, LOL) – but at the same time I also feel as though she has the right to feature the look if she wants too. The picture is not sexually suggestive in anyway either. What concerns me the most about the comments is this: I enjoy creating avatars that are a different race from my RL race – I find women of all colors beautiful. Yes I might at times dress my black avatar in a provocative outfit but I also do this with my white avatar equally, if not more! Is there going to be controversy going forward regarding avatar race matching typists race? Am I going to be called offensive if my non white avatar is in a sexually provocative pose? I know Sansyrara is referring to “role play” but I have to ask – what role play is she talking about??? Most RP sims in SL are designated as “adult” and erotic rp is a huge draw. Guess I need some clarification about what she is referring to when she states specifically that her culture is being damaged by hyper sexual images – because 9/10 when it comes to RP its the scene that is hyper sexual…not the race being portrayed – they just happen to be an avatar of a certain race having sex. Hope that makes sense.
I knew as soon as I seem the photo, that there would be a stir!
I used to spend time in the virtual native lands. I like to use SL to explore other cultures. Most places I really enjoy the people but my feelings were really hurt at VLN. (By reverse racism if that is a thing) I want people who think we are being insensative to come at us from a good place! Try to cut someone a little slack when you can see they meant you no malice.
Gogo you look amazing. Can you help me find an item in SL?
Does anyone know where these nylons are from?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lambbellic/8797776681/
and these too
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivygraves/8725269028/
It’s a shame how creators rarely credit items that they haven’t made in their vendor pictures.
I’m not sure. Maybe you could ask them?
Yikes. Apparently cultural appropriation exists even in SL. Not a good look.
Yeah it’s good to know that a shift with a very short hemline and showing ample cleavage isn’t a sexually provocative pose. Now I can sleep nights 🙂
you can’t have been in SL long if you find THAT provocative. skin showing does not equal sexually provocative, are you living in 2013 with the rest of us? call me when you’re able to see her fallopian tubes, thanks.
Whether it’s provocative or not, a Native American headdress is not a fashion accessory. Please educate yourself.
It’s a culture, but since the customers of these items are not a part of your culture, then they’re not applied to them. And you cannot force them not to use it because it is stated into your beliefs that they can’t, as long as I know, making someone subject to the rules of your religion isn’t correct if they don’t want to. Is it offensive? Then just ignore it, its a huge world, there are million of places to look at, choose not to look at this one.
YOUR world, YOUR imagination. Why so serious people??
TY, Layne and for the sake of everyone lets hope the navi don’t get wind of the blue skins. Its SL people not RL. If you don’t like the RP don’t buy the outfits or visit the RP sims. But getting offended every time someone releases something that might be semi culturally enlightening for everyone, doesnt help. Please don’t fall face first into the nearest politcaly correct soft soft you see. Try educating first before getting offened.