The Evolution of the Haunted Indian Burial Ground Trope in Horror Literature and Film

Introduction

The trope of the haunted Indian burial ground has long been a staple in horror literature and film. This article explores the historical context, emergence, and popularization of this trope, examining its roots in colonial fears, its evolution during the Romantic period, and its continued presence in modern horror.

Historical Context: Colonial Era and Early European Settlers

Early European settlers entered North America with a mix of curiosity and fear, often viewing Native American practices and beliefs through a lens of misunderstanding. Native American burial customs, which significantly diverged from European traditions, were commonly seen through the eyes of Romanticism and Exoticism. For instance, the burial practices of the Native Americans were often perceived as strange and even threatening.

The colonizers encountered vast Indigenous burial grounds, leading to beliefs and tales of hauntings that were not just a result of direct interactions but often part of a broader cultural narrative. During this time, colonial fears and a lack of understanding fueled a sense of danger associated with these unknown and mysterious burial sites.

Romanticism and Exoticism: A Cultural Trajectory

The 18th and 19th centuries marked a profound shift in how European and American societies viewed Indigenous cultures. Romanticism, with its fascination for the exotic and the primitive, led to a growing interest in Native American cultures. This fascination was not devoid of romanticization but also introduced a darker, more supernatural element, often painting Native Americans as enigmatic and dangerous.

The mid-19th century saw a vogue for ghosts and supernatural phenomena, fueling a narrative around Native American burial grounds. This period also marked the beginning of direct references to haunted burial sites, which were often seen as a way to evoke the mysteries and solemnity of these sites. The Vanishing Indian trope, encapsulated in images like John Gast’s American Progress (1872), symbolized the decline and loss of Native American cultures, leaving behind only the fading memories and shadows of their past.

The Horror Trope Emerges in 20th Century Literature and Film

The 20th century witnessed a significant emergence of the haunted Indian burial ground trope in literary and cinematic works. Authors like H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King played pivotal roles in popularizing this concept. Lovecraft’s The Strange Highhouse in the Derelict Suburb (1922) and King’s Pet Sematary (1983) introduced the idea of ancient curses and the supernatural linked to such burial sites.

By the mid-20th century, haunted or cursed burial grounds began to surface in literature and film. For instance, the 1982 film Poltergeist featured a similar theme, helping to solidify this trope in popular culture. These works not only tapped into the fears of the unknown but also perpetuated stereotypes and misunderstood cultural traditions.

The Cliché in the 70s and 80s: A Period of Popularity and Desecration

The 1970s and 1980s saw a surge in horror films that incorporated Native American burial grounds as sources of supernatural terror. This period, marked by a wave of romanticized and desecrated Native cultures, often depicted these sites as dangerous and foreboding. The portrayal of these burial grounds frequently reduced rich cultural traditions to mere horror elements, perpetuating misunderstandings.

For instance, films like The Legend of Boggy Creek (1972) and One on the Beach (1977) featured supernatural elements tied to Native American burial grounds, contributing to a pervasive and often oppressive narrative. The cultural significance of these sites was often overshadowed by the horror and fear associated with them.

Conclusion: An Analytical Look

While the roots of the haunted Indian burial ground trope can be traced back to colonial fears and misunderstandings, its popularization in horror literature and film, particularly during the late 20th century, helped establish it as a well-known cliché. The trope, often lacking depth or respect for the real cultural significance of Native American practices, has persisted due to its ability to evoke fear and a sense of the unknown.

Moreover, the trope reflects a deeper narrative of the vanishing Native American culture, with its burial grounds serving as a metaphor for the past. This trope, shaped by colonial fears and misunderstandings, has persisted through literature and film, reinforcing stereotypes and perpetuating cultural gaps.

Historical Observations

The phenomenon of the haunted Indian burial ground often appears as a post-removal narrative, linked to the idea of the Vanishing Indian. This trope primarily emerged after Native populations were pushed out of certain areas, leaving behind only fading memories and cryptic tales of the past. The rarity of direct references to these beliefs until the 19th century suggests that these stories were often crafted to fit broader cultural narratives rather than being direct expressions of belief.

For example, John Tanner’s account of a ghost encounter in the early 19th century is significant, as it reflects the blending of Native and non-Native cultures in certain regions. However, these tales are often more reflective of cultural exchanges than of widespread belief. Similarly, the 18th-century reference found in Thomas Morton’s New English Canaan highlights the complexities of early colonial encounters, where cultural narratives were often used to support broader political and social agendas.

The fur and deerskin traders provide an interesting exception, as they sometimes reported encountering Native ghosts in areas where Native Americans were still the majority. These traders, often open to the influence of Native culture, were more likely to engage with and report these supernatural encounters. However, these accounts are not representative of the broader Euro-American population, which generally showed a more skeptical or dismissive attitude towards such beliefs.

In conclusion, while the haunted Indian burial ground trope has deep historical roots and a significant presence in modern horror, it is crucial to approach these narratives with a critical eye. Understanding the broader cultural and historical contexts in which these stories emerged is essential to appreciate their complexity and the potential harm they can inflict.