Native American Motifs

The Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team.

Logo Designs throughout the History

 

1937 - 1951

1952 - 1959

1960 - 1964

1965 - 1969

1970 - 1971

1972 - 1981

1982

1983 - Pres

Over the years, the logos have changed slightly but they have always depicted the face of the chief.

Their logo is the face of an Native American chief facing the right. The chief's head is placed within a yellow circle that has some yellow feathers. The yellow comes from the team colors of burgundy and gold. One of the fans has been coming to all the games since 1978 dressed as the Chief, and this man goes by the name Chief Zee.

The strong bold yellow circle around the Chief may symbolise Protection and strength. Also in the Native American Indian culture, feathers represented the power of the thunder gods, along with the power of air and wind. The Native American chief looks traditional, serious and wise, this could be the mood that the Washington Redskins want to portray.

Motifs: 

The use of Traditional Indian feathers, circles and the colour yellow. 

National IndianParent Information Center's Logo

http://tiny.cc/zf8k8

william and mary college logo

http://tiny.cc/zf8k8

The Washington Redskins logo hasn't been changed to become more culturally appropriate through out history, The team has actually strengthened the iconic logo as years go by and this has offended people and has been called inappropriate numerous times. So the Washington Redskins will be changing their name and identity to prevent future media and culture controversies. 

The logo is to reflect the Teams name, as Washington has nothing to do with the Logo design the word 'redskin' takes full credit for the inspiration of the design. As "Redskin" is a racial descriptor for Native Americans and one of the color metaphors for race used in North America and Europe since European colonization of America. The term is controversial and considered by some to be offensive. I believe the intention of having that Native American theme was achieved but was not culturally aware on how this was going to personally effect some people and their background culture. So in the end, the logo and name  has become so unsuccessful it has resulted to going to supreme court over keeping or changing the title/logo design.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Redskins

http://www.sportslogos.net/team.php?id=168

http://www.dinesh.com/history_of_logos/nfl_logos/washington_redskins_logo_-_design_and_history.html

http://www.whats-your-sign.com/symbol-meaning-of-feathers.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redskin_(slang)