William Bartram: Free Sample Essay To Follow

William Bartram was a naturalist. His detailed consideration of the dress of the native inhabitants whom he observed provided the reader with a unique perspective of the importance of such decoration to their lives. Their decorative dress was not an everyday occurrence nor was it an indulgence afforded to everyone. It was reserved for special occasions such as weddings, dances and festival. Furthermore, fancy dress was a privilege reserved for the youth.
Some of the “divertisments” of the native inhabitants are music and dance. Bartram states that their music is conducted both vocally and with instruments. He is not impressed with their instruments since they are made simply. There is a certain flute-like instrument which only the young men are inclined to play and whose music he finds dreadful. Bartram does not seem that much more receptive to the tambour and rattle, which are played in coordination with their vocal abilities.
Some games they played included a very antiquated version of football, which Bartram calls ball play. In this game, the ball is taken from the opposing team after being thrown in the air. The ball must then be carried to the opposing team’s goal. The first team to reach the opposing team’s goal posts is declared the winner.
Festivals were created to celebrate the hunting and agricultural seasons. Their main celebration is that of the first fruits. This festival begins in August, the time of year when corn is ripe. Bertram refers to this festival as a serious matter to the native inhabitants and most like a religious ceremony. During this time, they undergo a cleansing, collecting all their old and worn out possessions, putting it into one mountainous heap and setting it on fire. They then proceed to fast for three days, after which the fire is extinguished.
Bartram loved nature and observed how the native inhabitants used nature in their daily lives. His great consideration for the native inhabitants’ respect of the natural world showed that Bartram considered these people to be his equals, instead of his inferiors, which was common thinking in his day.
Bartram’s did not depict the native peoples as savages. He paralleled their lives and culture with his own. He viewed them as unique human beings, with their own sets of rules and ways of doing things. Their rational capabilities do not seem to be in question in Bartram’s writings. He seems to be very impressed with the way in which the women go into the fields and collect the harvest and prepare the food in the best ways. Bartram appreciates their use of the natural resources. He also appreciates their athletic talent during their ball play. This seems to also be what he most admires about them.
Bartram’s account of Indian life shows that he is pro-Indian. This is shown in how he was able to immerse himself with strict observation of their way of life and then report in an overall objective manner their customs, culture and activities. In fact, during his life Bartram often pleaded with authorities to have respect for the Native American population, but his common sense approach was too often ignored. Bartram’s accounts of Native American life provide one of the most detailed accounts ever written during this time period. Bartram’s respect for the Native Americans and his sincere wish to know more about their culture made him not only a premiere expert on the subject matter, but a trustworthy friend to many Native Americans.