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Frank Hamilton CushingAmerican archaeologist, ethnographer, and Indian rights activist
Date of Birth: 22.07.1857
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Frank Hamilton Cushing
- Career at the Smithsonian
- Anthropological Expedition and Immersion into Zuni Culture
- Method of Reciprocity and Cultural Exchange
- Advocacy for Native American Rights
- Political Pressure and the End of His Advocacy
- Later Years and Legacy
Frank Hamilton Cushing
Early Life and EducationFrank Hamilton Cushing was an American archaeologist, ethnographer, and advocate for Native American rights. Born in northeastern Pennsylvania, his family later moved to western New York. From a young age, Cushing was intrigued by Native American cultures and artifacts, teaching himself how to craft flint chips into arrowheads and tools. By age 17, he had published his first scholarly paper.
Career at the Smithsonian
After a brief stint at Cornell University, Cushing was appointed curator of the National Museum's ethnological department by the director of the Smithsonian Institution. There, he caught the attention of John Wesley Powell of the Bureau of American Ethnology.
Anthropological Expedition and Immersion into Zuni Culture
Powell invited Cushing to join an anthropological expedition to New Mexico. The group reached the Zuni Pueblo, where Cushing adopted an "aboriginal" lifestyle and lived for five years (1879-1884). Initially considered for execution by the Zuni, who were wary of his knowledge, he eventually gained their acceptance and was initiated into the Priesthood of the Bow. He was given the Zuni name Tenatsali, meaning "healing flower."
Method of Reciprocity and Cultural Exchange
In 1882, Cushing brought several Zuni representatives to the United States on a tour that garnered media attention. He called this approach the "method of reciprocity," where he studied indigenous cultures while also introducing them to American society. This approach is now known as "reflexive anthropology." During the tour, he married Emily Tennyson of Washington, D.C. and returned to the Zuni Pueblo with his wife and her sister.
Advocacy for Native American Rights
Cushing's time among the Zuni coincided with a political controversy. In 1877, President Hayes had signed a law establishing the boundaries of the Zuni reservation, excluding a 2-square-mile area known as Nutria Valley. Three land speculators, including Major W.F. Tucker, arrived and claimed the area for a cattle ranch. The outraged Zuni appealed to Cushing, who wrote letters to newspapers in Chicago and Boston advocating for their rights.
Political Pressure and the End of His Advocacy
Unfortunately for Cushing and the Zuni, Major Tucker's father-in-law was Senator John A. Logan of Illinois, an influential politician. Despite President Chester Arthur rectifying the reservation boundary, the damage had been done. Senator Logan's reputation was tarnished, and he threatened to cut funding for the Bureau of American Ethnology if Cushing remained among the Zuni. Under pressure, Cushing returned to Washington, ending his advocacy for Native American rights.
Later Years and Legacy
Cushing briefly returned to the Zuni in 1886, but he was in declining health. His role as leader of the Southwestern Archaeological Expedition was taken over by Walter Fewkes. Cushing's legacy as a pioneer in anthropology and a passionate advocate for Native American rights continues to inspire and inform contemporary scholars and activists.
