This book deals with the meaning of factual and symbolic borders and ways by which these are
overcome on the basis of regular activities or in representational and political discourses.
The Kumeyaay in Southern California and Northern Baja California are small in numbers but
well-represented in the permanent exhibition of the National Museum of the American Indian in
Washington D.C. Next to collected objects of daily significance they describe their
border-related existence with the following words: We gather with other Kumeyaay bands from
California and Mexico to socialize celebrate and share traditions. Through the bonds of
singing dancing basket weaving and pottery making we are coming together and bringing down
the border (Campo curators 2003). Next to these commonalities though the Kumeyaay have to
cope with political and economic conditions that bring out the differences. The Kumeyaay's
specific involvement in the crossroads of nationality and cultural belonging generates a view
on different kinds of separation and signification within the field of identity formation and
survival.
