There are many forms of art and play in the tribes of the world. Because of the tendency man has to embellish only culturally significant objects, we should easily recognize an investigation into art as a door to understanding tribal world view. It seems universally characteristic of man to go beyond his normal needs in creating his material culture to embellish objects by various means. The ornate carvings on a canoe have no real scientific function. They don't help it float nor propel it through the water, yet the tribe may have ritual and artistic specialists who have learned the intricate chants and methods associated with those carvings.

We need to investigate the type of art. The obvious forms are the paintings and carvings that are used as decoration (with or without any other significance). But beyond that are art-forms that might be overlooked as insignificant...speech (drama, oratory, story telling, poetry), singing, dancing, working with textiles (weaving, sewing, dyeing, embroidery), string games, etc.

The general rule is that the more an object is decorated, the more likely it is to have significance beyond its normal functional purpose. An object that is heavily decorated may occupy a focal point in world view, or may be decorated merely for appearance. The intricately sewn Kuna "mola" is a major form of income for both men and women in that tribe, yet its original function in society was to be part of a Kuna girl's blouse.

In the investigation of art in a tribal society, we need to notice not only the significance of the type of art, but also the artist or craftsman. Especially in very simple societies, every individual will show some form of "creativity" in what he makes and uses. But there are usually some who are more expert than others. Thus in some societies this expertise gives rise to special craftsmen, a special status in that society. These craftsmen or artists should be studied from economic, social, magical, religious, legendary and mythological points of view.

Here are some examples of the significance of art in cultures of the world.

Its amazing how we can watch 260 pound linemen hurling their bodies at a ball carrier with enough force to break bones, and still explain that they are "playing" football. Yet even the novice observer of the sport will recognize when "playing" stops and "fighting" begins. A person may sit moaning about having to "work" outside in the drizzle, yet he will get up at 4:00 a.m. in the cold rain to sit in an icy-cold duck blind for hours on end because that is "relaxing" (play). We could go on with accounts of how missionaries tried to introduce "playing" sports to tribal people only to have them ask to be paid at the end of the game.

Obviously "play" is culturally defined, but what significance can it have to planting a tribal church? First of all it is almost always a means of enculturation. Our children play games that are reenactments of what WE have lived out before them. Rarely will we see a child eating worms as they play house. The pretend meal is always some food she observes that we eat. Another example would be the reaction of a mother to her daughter when she discovers she is pretending to be a "hooker" which she may have seen in a movie. The mother who wouldn't correct her daughter's "play" would be considered socially sick.

Secondly as people play they are reinforcing cultural values and ideals...our children are often vying for individual expressions and independence as they play. Observe the competitiveness of our games... Monopoly, Risk, Aggravation, etc. Can you name a game where competition is not a part of the strategy? Or complete the following... "We play to __________."

Hence, careful observation of the types, methods and attitudes of play will provide an understanding of the significant standards, ideals and values of the culture.