By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(Charlemont, MA) Following the criticism from the public over the “Big Indian” statue at Native and Himalayan Views, the storeowners are looking at redesigning the statue. Posted on their social media are three potential designs – A Sun Mask; A Leaf Mask; and a traditional Himalayan Sun Mask. They are also open to hearing other alternative designs.
In the post, they say “Please note, these masks are being used to represent different styles. The finalized version will be an original design.”
So far, the public has responded with appreciation for the new owners listening and responding to the concerns regarding the statue.
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(10/12/22) An online petition has picked up over 1,000 signatures to remove “The Big Indian” statue at the Native and Himalayan Views, formerly The Big Indian Shop, on Route 2 in Charlemont.
Tomantha Sylvester started the petition and said “Our area (Western and Central Massachusetts) is full of historical inaccuracies, stereotypes, and cultural appropriation” and that this 20-feet tall statute is “one of the most egregious” offenses.
The statue was erected in 1974 and built by Rodman Shutt, the same artist who created a 40-foot statue of Chief Passamaquoddy at Casco Bay Trading Company in Maine. This statue is also critiqued for its inaccuracies.
Sylvester also wrote, “The caricature images found at Native and Himalayan Views continue to invisibilize hundreds of sovereign Nations and cultures…Native People need to regain control over the representation of our own identities.”
The owner of the store, Sonam Lama, who bought the shop in 2009 with his wife and renamed the store “Native and Himalayan Views” said that he is willing to meet and work with Slyvester. Lama has previously removed two statues on the property that he found to be offensive.
The petition may be found here.