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Which Legendary Guitar Brand is Named After a Native American Tribe?
When it comes to guitars, many people have their brand preferences based on various factors, such as sound, style, history, or endorsement by famous musicians. However, some guitar brands stand out not only for their musical qualities but also for their cultural references. One such brand is named after a Native American tribe, the Iroquois, and has become an icon of rock and roll. In this blog post, we will explore the story of this legendary guitar and its significance beyond the music industry.
Introduction: Meet the Iroquois Guitar
First of all, let’s introduce the Iroquois guitar to those who may not be familiar with it. The Iroquois is a type of solid-body electric guitar that was originally designed and produced by the Gibson Guitar Corporation in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It was part of the “Explorer” line of guitars that also included the Flying V and the Moderne, all of which were futuristic and radical designs for their time. However, the Iroquois was the only one that was named after a specific Native American tribe, which makes it a unique case in the history of guitar branding.
Why Iroquois? The Tribal Roots of the Name
To understand why Gibson chose to name one of its guitars after the Iroquois, we need to explore the history and culture of this Native American confederacy. The Iroquois, also known as the Haudenosaunee, were a group of six tribes that inhabited the northeastern region of the present-day United States and Canada, mainly around the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. They had a sophisticated social and political system based on a constitution called the Great Law of Peace, which emphasized unity, democracy, and human rights. The Iroquois were also renowned for their skills in diplomacy, agriculture, and craftsmanship, especially when it came to woodworking and metalworking.
One of the most famous Iroquois artisans was Karonhiaktajeh, also known as John Kahionhes Fadden, who was born in 1889 on the Akwesasne Mohawk reservation and became a self-taught silversmith and jeweler. Karonhiaktajeh’s work blended traditional Iroquois motifs with modern styles and materials, and he gained recognition for his silver belt buckles, bracelets, earrings, and other accessories that were sold at various exhibitions and stores in the United States and Canada. Karonhiaktajeh also created a silver guitar that he gave as a gift to his son, who happened to be a musician. This guitar, which was decorated with Iroquois symbols and patterns, might have inspired Gibson to name its new design after the Iroquois. However, there is no clear evidence that links Karonhiaktajeh’s guitar to the Iroquois guitar, and the exact reason for the name choice remains a mystery.
Design and Features: The Iroquois Guitar as a Work of Art
Regardless of its name, the Iroquois guitar is a fascinating piece of craftsmanship that reflects both the technological and aesthetic advancements of its time. The guitar was designed by Ted McCarty, who was the president of Gibson at the time and also responsible for the Les Paul model, among others. McCarty hired Bill Lawrence, an electronics expert, to create a new type of humbucker pickup that would match the sharp and clear sound of the Iroquois body, which was made of solid mahogany and had a pointed lower bout, a slim waist, and a curved upper bout that resembled the head of a hawk or an airplane.
The Iroquois guitar also had several other innovative features that set it apart from other guitars of the era, such as:
– a through-neck construction that increased sustain and stability
– a headstock that looked like a reversed hockey stick or a boomerang, which improved balance and tuning
– a wraparound tailpiece that simplified string changes and intonation
– a switchable phase-reversal circuit that offered more tonal options.
All these elements combined to make the Iroquois guitar a powerful and versatile instrument that could handle both rhythm and lead playing in various genres, from blues and rock to jazz and metal. The Iroquois guitar was never a huge commercial success, due to its unconventional looks and high price, but it gained a cult following among guitarists and collectors who appreciated its craftsmanship and uniqueness.
Legacy and Controversies: The Iroquois Guitar as a Symbol of Diversity and Appropriation
Yet, the story of the Iroquois guitar goes beyond its musicality and rarity. For many Native American people and their allies, the use of the Iroquois name, as well as other tribal names and images, by non-Native individuals and companies, is a form of cultural appropriation or exploitation that undermines their sovereignty, identity, and dignity. In particular, the use of Indian mascots, logos, and costumes in sports and entertainment has been a source of controversy and activism for decades, and several tribes, including the Iroquois, have called for their removal or ban.
The debate over the Iroquois guitar is not as heated as the mascot issue, but it raises similar questions about representation, respect, and responsibility. Some people argue that the Iroquois guitar celebrates the cultural legacy and aesthetic sensibility of the Iroquois, and that it honors their artistry and ingenuity. Others claim that the Iroquois guitar appropriates or fetishizes the Iroquois culture, and that it reinforces stereotypes and ignorance among non-Native people. Some Native American musicians and artists have used the Iroquois guitar in their work, such as jazz guitarist Michael Anthony, who is of Mohawk descent, and painter John Fadden, who is Karonhiaktajeh’s grandson. They see the Iroquois guitar as a means of reclaiming their heritage and expressing their creativity on their own terms.
Conclusion: The Iroquois Guitar as a Bridge Between Worlds
So, which view of the Iroquois guitar is more valid or accurate? It depends on whom you ask and what context you consider. As with any cultural artifact or practice, the Iroquois guitar has multiple meanings and effects, depending on the historical, social, and personal factors that shape its reception and interpretation. What is clear, however, is that the Iroquois guitar represents both the versatility and the controversy of the guitar as a cultural form. The Iroquois guitar shows that guitars are not just tools for making music, but also platforms for expressing identities, histories, and values. The Iroquois guitar puts into sharp relief the power dynamics and ethical issues that arise when one culture borrows from another, intentionally or unintentionally. The Iroquois guitar challenges us to listen and learn from each other, to respect and honor diversity, and to use our musical instruments wisely and creatively.
So, if you ever come across an Iroquois guitar, whether as a player, a fan, or a collector, don’t just see it as a cool and rare guitar. See it as a bridge between worlds, a reminder of the people who made it, and a call to action for the people who use it. See it as a guitar that can play good music and do good justice, if only we tune it right.
Image Credit: Pexels