The Origins, Legends, and Controversies of Dream Catchers
The dreamcatcher, a distinctive symbol within Native American culture, is traditionally believed to safeguard sleepers from bad dreams by trapping them while permitting good dreams to pass through. Its lore originates from the Ojibwe (Chippewa) nation, where it was crafted using a hoop from a willow branch and web-like fibers or sinew. Decorated with beads and feathers, its design is linked to Asibikaashi, the Spider Woman from Ojibwe mythology, a protector of children who used these devices to capture harmful entities before they could inflict harm.
As tribes interacted through trade and marriage, other Native American cultures adopted and adapted the dreamcatcher's legend. For the Lakota, dreamcatchers reflect life's web, distinguishing good societal influences from bad. The Lakota's trickster god, Iktomi, who manifested as a spider in tales, plays a central role, illustrating how dreamcatchers help filter out harmful thoughts and guide good dreams.
Dreamcatcher Legend and Symbolism
In Lakota tradition, an elder received a vision atop a mountain, where Iktomi, a spider, spun a web within a willow hoop. This web was symbolic of life's cyclical nature, with each phase moving from infancy to old age. Iktomi explained that while life is filled with both beneficial and detrimental forces, the web could filter these influences – aiding in embracing good ideas and dreams while letting poor ones dissipate.
Over time, dreamcatchers became a cultural staple among the Sioux, where they were used to protect spiritual well-being by sieving dreams above the beds of children. According to various tribal beliefs, although interpretations differ, dreamcatchers either trap bad dreams in their web to perish by dawn or filter out good dreams through the center – helping individuals retain only positive thoughts and visions.
Controversial Aspects and Modern Context
Despite their spiritual and cultural significance, dreamcatchers have faced controversies, particularly concerning cultural appropriation and commercialization. Their popularity surged in the 1970s with the New Age movement, resulting in non-Native artisans marketing pseudo-authentic crafts under the facade of Native American authenticity.
To curb these deceptive practices, the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 was instituted, prohibiting the false advertisement of Native-inspired crafts to protect genuine Native artisans. While the commercial exploitation of dreamcatchers can be contentious, it is still possible to appreciate and honor these artifacts by respecting their cultural contexts and origins and acknowledging the rich tapestries of Native American heritage.
Read also on SSP: The Myth and Tradition of Horseshoes as Good Luck Charms.