Nature’s Canvas: An Exploration of Indigenous Ecological Art as a Pathway to Holistic Healing in the Context of Leslie Marmon Silko’s Novel Ceremony
Keywords:
Ecological art, indigenous, Healing, Trauma, Eco-art therapy, ceremonyAbstract
Indigenous ecological arts offer a profound pathway to holistic healing. Ecological arts or environmental arts are creative ecological modes of engagement characterized by ecological connectivity, reconstruction, and ecological ethical responsibility. The therapeutic power of these magical arts lies in their connectivity with the powers of nature. Nature serves as the profound setting for physical and spiritual healing in ecological art. An ecological orientation is achieved through the creative process of the art and it leads to holistic healing for traumatized individuals. This research article delves into the deep relationship between indigenous ecological art and holistic healing, as exemplified in Leslie Silko’s literary masterpiece, Ceremony. Through a comprehensive examination of Indigenous ecological art forms embedded within the novel, including storytelling, sand painting, and ceremonial practices, these artistic expressions’ important role in restoring the protagonist’s wellness after a traumatic war experience is unveiled. By creating a “nature’s canvas” through storytelling and artistry, Silko’s novel showcases how Indigenous cultures interweave their ecological knowledge with artistic expression, offering a holistic approach to healing that transcends individual pain and trauma.
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