Modern research on the subject shows that "Native photogenic self-portraits of either gender were rare until relatively recently, perhaps even culturally inconceivable before extreme circumstances encouraged this self-inflicted invasion of privacy," (Rushing 136). Thus, this rise in popularity shows how the art of Native American women is contributing to the indigenous recovery movement that asks people of all indigenous peoples to honor and continue their ancient heritage. Modern artistic expressions of Native American women then attest to the indigenous recovery movement and bring a new light to ancient cultural traditions. They create their art not only for an external audience, but for the internal tribal societies; "many Native women photographers see their prime audience as Native people," (Rushing 79).

Thus, both ancient and contemporary art of Native American women presents the uniqueness of life in tribal societies. Such art is a direct testament to the practicality and aesthetic elements of...
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