I am going to try to answer a question as best as possible, and help with this understanding so none will take offence. And see that there is a wide diversity of beliefs/customs, not only in the Indigenous worlds of Natives but also in many other cultures all over the world itself.
I will start with my personal up bringing..
Growing up in two worlds of the Tsalagi (Cherokee) traditions, where man and woman are equal.. respect for respect.
And the world of the white man teachings of what is called good manners and protocol.
First, in the Tsalagi (Cherokee) traditions a woman can and does fight along side a man in battle. She makes major decisions that effects the entire Nation, and is asked advise and listened to from the Heads of the entire Nation before any actions are taken. One looks one another in the eyes as a form of respect for respect. We have said as many have and believe.."The Eyes Are The Windows of the Soul" there you see the truth of a persons inner being.
Secondly, in the teachings of the white man schools, it was taught one of good mannerism will always look into another's eyes specially when spoken to. It shows not only respect, but the fact you are listening intently to what another one is saying, and you are interested in what that person has to say. To look away when someone is speaking to you and others, is a sign of total disrespect and showing boredom of that person. And for God Sake NEVER allow yourself to yawn...lol!
I remember getting whacked with a ruler or wooden spoon on several occasions in class or in a group. lol
Now, keep in mind that there are in other cultures a different way altogether..
To actually look into a person's eyes is considered disrespectful and intrusive. Because it does go back to the comment made earlier.. The EYES ARE THE WINDOWS!
Other cultures not just Indigenous, feels another person does not have the automatic permission
to see into some one else's soul. Some even believed that a person who had an "Evil" soul could actually look at a person and cast an "Evil Eye" and curse someone with misfortunes. And other the other side, if a person of a good heart and had been given the gift to look into a persons eyes and see their past or future or even the death of that person they are looking at.
A person who had "Sky Eyes" (Blue or almost translucent blues) were considered special chosen/marked by the Creator Himself and to be of Angelic decent and have special abilities and gifts.
Some Native American Indigenous feared and despised ones born with "Sky Eyes."
Example: The Kiowa' s of the western plains were one group of many who shunned ones born with "Sky Eyes". They believed it was a curse and bad omen to the people.
Getting back to why someone would see some Indigenous dancers wearing sunnies/sunglasses while inside the dance arenas..also some dancers wearing mirrors and shiny reflective disks on their persons and regalia's. The reasons are to "REFLECT ANY and ALL" bad intentions and negativities back in the directions they may come from. So that ONLY good intentions of the heart and the POSITIVE prayers and GOOD WILL can flow and surround that person and out to others around them.
Some other cultures on the other hand, also take it as a sign of disrespect for a unmarried man to look at a married or betrothed woman in the eyes. As it would and could act as a challenge to a fight by the husband or engaged.
Last but not least, some cultures still believe women are not equal to a man, and should always keep their eyes lowered at all times and remember their station in life.
This is not a hit on men here, it is just the way some cultures are.
ShaunaSay WhiteFeather
