Jacqueline Copeland

Definition

Jacqueline Copeland is a prominent scholar and researcher whose work focuses on the material culture of enslaved communities in Colonial America, particularly examining how enslaved people used everyday objects as forms of resistance and cultural expression. Her contributions highlight the significance of artifacts in understanding the lives and identities of enslaved individuals, showcasing their resilience and agency through their use of material culture. Copeland's studies emphasize that these objects were not merely functional but carried deep personal and communal meanings, serving as tools for resistance against oppression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jacqueline Copeland's research reveals how enslaved individuals creatively repurposed everyday items to create new meanings and assert their identities.
2. Her work emphasizes that material culture can serve as a form of silent protest and a way for enslaved people to communicate their heritage.
3. Copeland explores the importance of traditional African practices in shaping the material culture of enslaved communities in America.
4. Her findings highlight that objects like pottery, clothing, and tools were often imbued with cultural significance, acting as symbols of resistance and resilience.
5. Jacqueline Copeland's scholarship has contributed to a broader understanding of how material culture plays a vital role in historical narratives surrounding slavery and resistance.

Review Questions

• How does Jacqueline Copeland’s research illustrate the relationship between material culture and resistance in enslaved communities?
  • Jacqueline Copeland’s research illustrates that material culture was not only essential for everyday survival but also served as a form of resistance for enslaved communities. By creatively using and modifying everyday objects, enslaved individuals expressed their cultural identities and subtly resisted the dehumanization imposed by slavery. Her work underscores that these artifacts played significant roles in maintaining cultural traditions and communicating heritage among enslaved people.
• In what ways did Jacqueline Copeland’s findings challenge traditional narratives about the lives of enslaved individuals?
  • Jacqueline Copeland’s findings challenge traditional narratives by shifting the focus from the oppressive conditions of slavery to the agency of enslaved individuals through material culture. She argues that enslaved people were not merely passive victims; instead, they actively engaged with their environment, repurposing materials to create meaningful objects. This perspective highlights their resourcefulness and ability to find ways to express identity and community despite oppressive circumstances.
• Evaluate the impact of Jacqueline Copeland’s scholarship on our understanding of the intersections between material culture and identity formation among enslaved communities.
  • Jacqueline Copeland’s scholarship significantly impacts our understanding of how material culture intersects with identity formation among enslaved communities by revealing that artifacts are key to interpreting cultural narratives. Her work demonstrates that objects serve as repositories of memory, allowing enslaved individuals to assert their identities and maintain connections to their ancestral heritage. By analyzing these materials, scholars gain insight into the complexities of resistance, resilience, and community bonding among enslaved populations, fundamentally enriching our historical narrative.

Related terms

Material Culture: The physical objects, resources, and spaces that people use to define their culture, reflecting the beliefs, practices, and social relations of a community.

Enslaved Agency: The capacity of enslaved individuals to act independently and make choices within the constraints imposed by slavery, often finding ways to resist and assert their identity.

Cultural Resistance: The ways in which marginalized groups use cultural expressions to resist oppression, maintain identity, and assert agency against dominant societal norms.