“People act shocked when I say I’m Native American,” says Indigenous artist Quai Perry. “When you say ‘Native American,’ most people think about the Western Tribes. They think we – the Eastern Tribes – aren’t here anymore.” Perry elaborates that the story, according to the history books, is that the Europeans came, conquered, and exterminated the Indigenous people; these texts erased them from history. As an artist, an Eastern Indigenous woman, and a proud member of the Narragansett Tribe, Perry is passionate about correcting that falsehood. “We are still here, have always been here,” she says.
The history and culture of Eastern Native peoples are unbroken, and cannot be erased. “I started beading, seriously, when I was seventeen. That’s late for some people. I always admired all the hard work that went into it. I wanted to do it. I watched a lot of beaders and got some tips and tricks until I found my own way.” Perry says she was both “taught” and “self-taught”; her output is quite varied, but she specializes in earrings. They are gorgeous with their exquisite colors. The beads and other stones shimmer and shine. Sometimes, they surround logos, drawings, and portrait photographs. There are traditional abstract designs and depictions of objects with roots in Native American culture– ears of corn, strawberries, pumpkins, etc. I am a big fan of her ghost earrings.
Perry reports that sometimes people feel they can’t wear Native American jewelry because they are not themselves Native American. However, she says that if an indigenous craftsperson or artist offers their work to you, they want it to be seen by the general public. Some sacred things are only for Native Americans. She mentions Pow Wow regalia as an example. She acknowledges cultural appropriation as an important issue. In making Native arts present and available, she says, “We are here!” Perry also points out the importance of buying indigenous art from indigenous people. “Don’t buy stuff that is made in China copying my culture. Buy it from me.”
Perry’s dedication to her culture and community goes beyond her artwork. It is important to her to act as a role model to younger people and to pass down traditions. She has a long history with the Eastern Blanket Dance, a coming-of-age and courting dance presented at Pow Wows and festivals. The premise is that when a young woman is ready for courting, she creates a special blanket that expresses her identity. Women display their blanket to show off their skills and creativity. Perry says that when she danced her emphasis was not on courting but on declaring, “This is me! This is who I am.”
You can find Quai Perry on Instagram @beadworkbyquai.
