The tribal nations of the Cherokee, Navajo, Hopi, Apache, Seminole, Pueblo, Mohawk and others were the earliest people to inhabit what has become the United States. They were all independent in their governing, spiritual practices, history, cultural traditions and artistic crafting style. Authentic products may be bought in Native American gift shops all over the country and online.
Some stores primarily cater to tourism and will feature mainly novelty products and items that are based on some of the more iconic, and generalized, images of tribal life. Examples of such goods are traditionally costumed dolls, headdresses, drums, tomahawks, bead work, dream catchers, post cards, paintings and key rings. For the most part, this type of inventory is manufactured in factories and ordered in bulk instead of being authentically hand crafted.
Usually found in areas where the modern tribal presence is strong, or near reservations, are stores that strive to provide customers with many authentic products. These items are all hand crafted one at a time by skilled tribal artisans that have mastered trade practices that have passed from one generation to another for centuries. Each one exhibits fine quality, uniqueness and attention to fine details.
Traditional and authentic crafting required that the materials used all be natural as they were hundreds of years ago. This included using things like clay dug from the ground, feathers, quills, stones, gems, leather, fur, wool and silver just to name a few. Everything was made by hand and typically featured subject matter such as animals and nature, the sun, moon and stars, geometric shapes, earth tones and spiritualism.
Basketry is a practice that takes great skill to get the quality that attracts individuals who appreciate traditional crafts. The availability of materials influenced alterations in the styles and techniques of each region. This is why the Alaskan tribes use the baleen of whales, southwestern groups utilize yucca leaves and grass, and many other areas make their baskets, jars and trays from thin wood strips.
Among the oldest forms of art known to man is pottery, and each of the tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, Cherokee, Catawba and Pueblos, all cultivated their own uniquely distinctive design styles. Tradition and authenticity dictates that only natural clay be used and that pieces be done by hand without a modern potter's wheel. All colors should be of organic origin using plants and minerals as resources, and that shine and luster be achieve by methods like stone rubbing and pine pitch washes.
Both haunting and captivating, kachina dolls are specialties of the many Pueblo tribes such as the Hopi, Zuni and Navajo, and are actively sought out by collectors. They are totems generally in forms representing the spirits of men, animals and the sun, often shown as dancing. The figurines are said to have the supernatural ability to perform actions like increasing fertility, assuring good health or well being and even making it rain.
Each group has their own distinct style of creating beautiful designs through the art of beading. Seed beads are used to embellish so many different things including clothing, shoes, fabrics, basket handles, pipes, drums, and to make stunning jewelry. There are so many other amazing products that one may enjoy when shopping for authentic tribal crafts.
Some stores primarily cater to tourism and will feature mainly novelty products and items that are based on some of the more iconic, and generalized, images of tribal life. Examples of such goods are traditionally costumed dolls, headdresses, drums, tomahawks, bead work, dream catchers, post cards, paintings and key rings. For the most part, this type of inventory is manufactured in factories and ordered in bulk instead of being authentically hand crafted.
Usually found in areas where the modern tribal presence is strong, or near reservations, are stores that strive to provide customers with many authentic products. These items are all hand crafted one at a time by skilled tribal artisans that have mastered trade practices that have passed from one generation to another for centuries. Each one exhibits fine quality, uniqueness and attention to fine details.
Traditional and authentic crafting required that the materials used all be natural as they were hundreds of years ago. This included using things like clay dug from the ground, feathers, quills, stones, gems, leather, fur, wool and silver just to name a few. Everything was made by hand and typically featured subject matter such as animals and nature, the sun, moon and stars, geometric shapes, earth tones and spiritualism.
Basketry is a practice that takes great skill to get the quality that attracts individuals who appreciate traditional crafts. The availability of materials influenced alterations in the styles and techniques of each region. This is why the Alaskan tribes use the baleen of whales, southwestern groups utilize yucca leaves and grass, and many other areas make their baskets, jars and trays from thin wood strips.
Among the oldest forms of art known to man is pottery, and each of the tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, Cherokee, Catawba and Pueblos, all cultivated their own uniquely distinctive design styles. Tradition and authenticity dictates that only natural clay be used and that pieces be done by hand without a modern potter's wheel. All colors should be of organic origin using plants and minerals as resources, and that shine and luster be achieve by methods like stone rubbing and pine pitch washes.
Both haunting and captivating, kachina dolls are specialties of the many Pueblo tribes such as the Hopi, Zuni and Navajo, and are actively sought out by collectors. They are totems generally in forms representing the spirits of men, animals and the sun, often shown as dancing. The figurines are said to have the supernatural ability to perform actions like increasing fertility, assuring good health or well being and even making it rain.
Each group has their own distinct style of creating beautiful designs through the art of beading. Seed beads are used to embellish so many different things including clothing, shoes, fabrics, basket handles, pipes, drums, and to make stunning jewelry. There are so many other amazing products that one may enjoy when shopping for authentic tribal crafts.
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For a selection of apparel, jewelry, and handmade crafts, consider visiting one of the best known native American gift shops today. Browse the store by clicking on this link http://www.windrivernativegifts.com.
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