Ans) Indigenous art forms have experienced both preservation and transformation in modern times, reflecting a dynamic interplay between tradition and contemporary influences. Efforts to preserve these art forms often involve community-led initiatives, cultural festivals, and educational programs that emphasise the importance of traditional practices. For instance, many indigenous communities have established cultural centers and museums to safeguard their artistic heritage, offering workshops and exhibitions that celebrate traditional crafts, music, dance, and storytelling. These efforts help to maintain the cultural identity of indigenous peoples and ensure the transmission of knowledge and skills to future generations.

At the same time, indigenous art forms have also transformed in response to modern influences and technologies. Contemporary indigenous artists often blend traditional techniques and motifs with new materials and styles, creating innovative works that resonate with both indigenous and global audiences. This synthesis allows for the continued relevance and evolution of indigenous art, enabling artists to address contemporary issues and express their unique cultural perspectives in new and compelling ways. Social media and digital platforms have also played a significant role in this transformation, providing indigenous artists with broader platforms to share their work and connect with diverse audiences worldwide.

The impact of colonization on the art and culture of indigenous communities has been profound and often devastating. Colonization typically involved the suppression of indigenous languages, customs, and religious practices, leading to significant cultural loss. Many traditional art forms were marginalized or devalued by colonial authorities, who imposed their own cultural standards and often sought to assimilate indigenous populations into the dominant culture. This suppression resulted in the loss of many traditional practices and the erosion of cultural knowledge, as successive generations were discouraged or outright prevented from practicing their ancestral arts. However, colonisation also led to forms of cultural resistance and resilience among indigenous communities. Art became a means of asserting identity, preserving history, and resisting colonial oppression. Indigenous artists and communities found ways to sustain their cultural practices in the face of adversity, sometimes incorporating elements of the colonisers’ culture in ways that subverted and challenged colonial narratives. This resilience is evident in the continued vitality of many indigenous art forms today, which serve as powerful expressions of cultural survival and resistance.
Therefore, the preservation and transformation of indigenous art forms in modern times reflect a complex interplay of tradition, innovation, and resilience. While the impact of colonization has been deeply disruptive, it has also inspired forms of cultural resistance and adaptation that continue to shape indigenous art and culture today. Through both preservation and transformation, indigenous communities are finding ways to maintain their cultural heritage and assert their identity in a rapidly changing world.