1952: "I sincerely submit to all concerned my humblest apology, and beg you to believe that I meant no harm in this display of ignorance."

March 12, 2017

Labor Day, 1952. Harvard student, William Field, age 19, wore an authentic-looking version of a Kachina costume as his Fiesta wear for the Labor Day weekend celebration in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hopi leaders were infuriated that the student would represent a religious item - because the Katcina (Katchina or Kachina) figure, "is to the Hopis and Pueblo Indians the spirit of an ancient as well as the image representing such a spirit." Source: 1952, Sep 24 Albuquerque Journal

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Field wore the costume to a private party where he was photographed dancing by a newspaper photographer, and the photo was published in the New Mexican (Santa Fe, NM) with the caption "Ever see a Kachina Charleston?" The newspaper apologized.

Two American Indians approached Fields and told him he was committing an insult to the Hopi people, and he needed to remove the costume, which he did.

He later apologized to governors of three pueblos, who contacted additional governors for a rightful apology to the Hopi people.

The newspaper, on Sep 23, printed this apology: "This newspaper, through sheer ignorance, abetted an affront to sacred Indian rituals by publishing a photograph of a white man dancing a modern dance while wearing an accurate copy of a sacred ceremonial mask. The New Mexican intended no disrespect to the Hopi or Pueblo tribes, or to their religious beliefs. Our profound apology is hereby extended. "

William Field's wrote a letter to The New Mexican saying: "I am horrified by the results of my indiscretion. When I designed and wore the costume under discussion, I had no idea that it would offend anyone. I wish I had thought that it would have done so, as in that case I never would have thought of doing what I did. I am very sorry about this breach of ethics. I sincerely submit to all concerned my humblest apology, and beg you to believe that I meant no harm in this display of ignorance."(1952, Oct 2 The Santa Fe New Mexican )