African, Native American, and Oceanic Cultures. Arts Essay

African, Native American, and Oceanic Cultures
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Introduction
It is safe to say that culture is what distinguishes a person or a group of people from the others. It brings many changes to our lives and is respected and valued in plenty of ways. For example, if you belong to Africa, you will follow the traditions and rules and regulations maintained by your community. You will not speak another language and may not give utmost importance to the culture or traditions of another group. The same is the condition of the American and Oceanic cultures. People belonging to different religions and cultures tend to live their lives according to their terms and celebrate their festivals every year (Smethurst, 2001).
Culture is one of those few things that impact our lives, influence the way we look at others and brings some positive or negative changes in the entire society. Every individual attempts to follow in the footsteps of his forefathers and wants to maintain his cultural identity throughout his life. From the food we eat to the dresses we wear to the areas we live in, cultures and traditions are always taken care of, and it looks like life is redundant and useless without them. For some people, the culture is far more important than their own lives, and for the others, it helps them step toward a prosperous and successful tomorrow (Smethurst, 2001).
In this paper, we will describe how the African, American and Oceanic cultures have deployed the body in different spaces, and how they are different from one another. It should be noticed that all of these cultures have some similarities and differences and that the way they are followed is also different. For instance, something which is appreciated in the African culture is likely to be ignored in the American or Oceanic culture. Despite the belief that cultures allow individuals to live harmoniously, they set them apart and impose some restrictions on their followers and believers (Smethurst, 2001).
The African Culture
The African culture and tradition are expressed through numerous forms of arts such as sculpture, dance, beadwork, and music. In general, singing, poetry, and music are considered a must part of the African culture and different dance competitions are held across the country. During these dance performances, the participants wear specific masks, vibrant outfits, and move their bodies in a way that is both unique and impressive. Similarly, traditional African masks are used during religious festivals, functions, parties and wedding ceremonies (Butler, 2017, p. 717). According to Robert James Butler, the designs, colors, and styles of these masks have been inspired by the African royal arts and are liked by all natives. Special masks and costumes are designed to purify the African community and used to offer prayers throughout the year. They are said to represent the spirit of locals. Similarly, the half-body costumes designed for African females are said to deliver the message of peace, harmony, and brotherhood. Not only African females but also males of this land remain concerned about the style and size of their traditional costumes (Butler, 2017).
The broadcasting of their videos and images, as well as their body performances, are the heart of the African society. For years, they have been playing a central role in identifying this culture and distinguishing it from the other cultures and traditions in the world. The facial expressions of Africans, during their dance performances, festivals and events, speak the truth. They do not believe in telling a lie or hiding their emotions from their companions or family members. It is also believed that Africans have sacrificed a lot and struggled for years to maintain their cultural and traditional identity (Butler, 2017, p. 718). Since the high arts times, they have attempted to make themselves distinctive in the society. The African mask is a good example of that; no matter what types of changes take place in the world, the spirit of their culture is never changed. During a dance competition or festival, the selected dancers utter and moan a particular message and try to please their mates in one way or the other. The Zulu individuals are widely famous for their intricate beadwork, and the color of their beads carry special meanings (Butler, 2017).
The Native American Culture
It is true that a large number of ethnic groups and communities reside in the United States. This has given rise to diversity in American culture and traditions. Today, the Native American culture is said to consist of varying customs, beliefs, art forms and lifestyles. It is defined by the concepts of the Pre-Columbian culture area and can be distinguished based on the geographical location. For instance, people living in the northern areas will have their own cultural and traditional values.
Similarly, people belonging to the western and eastern areas can be seen following their religions and practicing their distinctive cultures and traditions. Thus, we can say that the Native American culture has had been influenced by a large number...