Bodmer_Publication

Missouri River valley where the people, by and large, were able to sustain themselves
by cultivating gardens close to the villages or as economically successful
cattle- and horse-breeders; the development of Elbowoods as an administration
center that employed Native American staff, even in senior positions in schools,
hospitals and shops; the renewed destruction of their livelihood when, in 1954,
following the construction of the Garrison Dam, buildings, gardens, farms, graves
and important sacred sites were buried under the torrents of the Missouri River.
The destruction caused by the new dam was a disaster for the Mandan, Hidatsa
and Arikara, from which they still have not yet fully recovered. 27
Objects Recall Memories
Contemplating the objects that Prince Maximilian had collected often brought
back painful memories, since the museum pieces stood for the remarkable social,
economic, and cultural potential that had characterized these communities.
Repeatedly it was reflected upon which course history might have taken without
these devastating disasters. At the same time, Mandan, Hidatsa und Arikara
emphasized with great pride and recognition their ancestors’ unyielding will to
survive. This emotional and spiritual strength was directly associated with people
like Mato-Tope, who had invested his skills as a warrior, his spiritual power and
his social commitment in the wellbeing of the community. His descendants spoke
of him with high respect and looked upon him as a role model. The two sisters
G eorgia und Connie Fox talked about their grandmother – Mato-Tope’s granddaughter
– who had continuously reminded them to be committed to respect at all
times and be ready to help people in need – values which Mato-Tope himself had
always lived up to. Their grandmother also told them how deeply he had been
rooted in his belief, and how fasting and praying had played an important part in
his life. He who loses sight of the most important things in life, she warned, runs
the risk of becoming egocentric and greedy for power. She also told them to walk
the “white man’s” path, but at the same time never to forget their heritage. Likewise,
Lyle Gwinn recounted that the stories he had heard from his grandmother
and mother had made him strong. He often thinks about what his forebears had
to endure, without ever giving up. This fills him with pride, he said, and he looks
upon his grandfather Mato-Tope as his role model. 28
Collection Pieces Support Identity
Today many members of the tribe see themselves as robbed of their humanity,
and feel powerless and helpless. To develop self-respect again, role models and
quality in social relationships are needed. The people say that looking back to
earlier days, when their ancestors still were powerful, when their belief provided
orientation and commonly shared values held the community together, helps
them to value their heritage and culture and provides a resource to master future
challenges with self-esteem and pride. Much to their regret, the young generation
is no longer familiar with the early history of their peoples. I was also asked to give
my presentation on Prince Maximilian at schools. The students were fascinated
to learn about these early written documents and hear about authentic objects
dating back to their ancestors, from a time long past.
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