Anoki

Anoki in Blackfoot means “Actor”.

Anoki, Blackfoot cat artwork by Cecile Grace Charles

This artwork is Blackfoot Theme, it is one of a Bakers Dozen (13) of Native American Themed Cat Artworks.

Each one taking on the persona of a specific action.

No I did not say tribe or culture. In this case Anoki is dressed as a dancer.

We know cats cannot dance in the same way as humans. But we assign behaviors to pretty much anything and we express our appreciation of the culture we as artists capture, by doing so.

A part of my family is Blackfoot native. I am celebrating Native culture when I dress my cat paintings up in Native dance clothing, beads and feathers. Each one is from a different tribe. This is all going into a children's book about Native American tribes. Children learn better with good pictures.

Both the fish and the tracks in the painting are of nonverbal Blackfoot language. They are of the visible alphabet for the Blackfoot tribe.  The fish signs and tracks are also is a nod to my family’s heritage.  They are also about the food this particular animal chooses to eat.

Artistic expression among the Blackfeet was and is evident in clothing, beadwork, and ceremonial items. The use of vibrant colors and intricate designs illustrated their cultural narratives and beliefs. As with all natives on American soil, that is North, South and Central; as glass beads came into their markets, that substituted for traditional carved beads. Original beading was hand carved, or clay and painted with hand ground paints. They were just as vibrant as the glass, but took more time. Another effect of modern things changing cultures. Additionally, the Blackfeet were skilled in storytelling, music, and dance, which played vital roles in cultural preservation and community bonding.

Art is subjective after all, and any artist can record anything they see or imagine. There are no rules to whom gets to paint what. Inspiration comes to an artist, if they are moved to paint it, then by all means paint it. Here I wanted a bit of whimsy, while telling the story of each tribe.

The pictographs in each artwork are actual tribe specific to their individual alphabets. My family is a blend of several native tribes, including Blackfoot which is what is depicted here. So I have lots of family inspiration. The original inspiration came from a discussion about what cats might look like in different tribes. And I went for it creative wise.

Anoki is dressed for the dance.

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