Royals in race row over tapestry showing Native Americans ‘as savages’
THE Queen and Prince Charles have been drawn into a racism row over a tapestry depicting Britain’s colonisation of North America.
Campaigners say the cartoon-like work, which includes stitches inserted by the royals, portrays Native Americans as savages.
The 267ft-long New World Tapestry took volunteers more than 20 years to complete. Begun in the 1970s, it was finished in 2000. The 39million stitches included ones made by the Queen, Prince Philip, the Queen Mother and Princess Anne. The final stitch was inserted by Prince Charles.
At the time it was the longest tapestry in the world. Based on 16th century watercolours, its 24 panels depict the colonisation between 1583 and 1642, including the story of Pocahontas saving the life of Captain John Smith. It was expected to form part of commemorations in 2020 to mark the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower.
But the National Congress of American Indians claims it is racist and should not go on display. ‘It shamelessly perpetuates a centuries-long artistic tradition that seeks to portray Native people as subhuman, warlike savages,’ said NCAI executive director Jacqueline Pata.
The NCAI also objects to the use of Native American images and references by the Cleveland Indians baseball team and Washington Redskins American football team.
Tapestry designer Tom Mor said of the complaint: ‘It’s rubbish, it’s not racist. What’s racist about it?’ He said that the same a cartoon style was used to depict the white colonists.
Bristol City Museum, which owns the tapestry, refused to be drawn yesterday on whether it would be put on display again although a spokesman admitted: ‘Obviously there is some controversy about the tapestry because of what it depicts.’