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.
Stores that primarily focus on tourism trade typically stock up on novelty items that are representative of some stereotypical images. Some common products of this sort are key chains, postcards, paintings, beaded products, dream catchers, tomahawks, headdresses, drums and dolls that are dressed in generalized costumes. Most of these things are not hand made, but rather manufactured in mass in factories.
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.
To craft in the traditional styles and be truly authentic, the artisans should use only natural materials as their ancestors did for hundreds of years. Construction typically includes such things as natural types of clay, silver, wool, fur, leather, gems, stones, quills and feathers, as examples. Every piece is done by hand and favored subject matters are human forms, landscapes and the elements in the skies, often featuring earthen tones, geometric shapes and spiritual symbolism.
Basketry is a huge draw to many people who enjoy traditional style crafts made with great skill and quality. The techniques and materials vary by region depending on what was plentiful in the individual areas. In the northern zone that is now Alaska, the primary choice was baleen from whales, yucca leaves and grass in the southwest, and thin strips of wood in the northeast are fashioned into all manner of baskets, jars and trays.
Pottery is one of the oldest art forms known to man and the styles of the Pueblos, Hopi, Navajo, Cherokee and Catawba are each very distinctive. To be authentically traditional, craftsmen use natural clay and create the structures by hand without the use of potter's wheels. Colors are all derived from organic sources like minerals and plants, and stones or pine pitch are used to achieve a lustrous or shiny finish.
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.
Stores that primarily focus on tourism trade typically stock up on novelty items that are representative of some stereotypical images. Some common products of this sort are key chains, postcards, paintings, beaded products, dream catchers, tomahawks, headdresses, drums and dolls that are dressed in generalized costumes. Most of these things are not hand made, but rather manufactured in mass in factories.
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.
To craft in the traditional styles and be truly authentic, the artisans should use only natural materials as their ancestors did for hundreds of years. Construction typically includes such things as natural types of clay, silver, wool, fur, leather, gems, stones, quills and feathers, as examples. Every piece is done by hand and favored subject matters are human forms, landscapes and the elements in the skies, often featuring earthen tones, geometric shapes and spiritual symbolism.
Basketry is a huge draw to many people who enjoy traditional style crafts made with great skill and quality. The techniques and materials vary by region depending on what was plentiful in the individual areas. In the northern zone that is now Alaska, the primary choice was baleen from whales, yucca leaves and grass in the southwest, and thin strips of wood in the northeast are fashioned into all manner of baskets, jars and trays.
Pottery is one of the oldest art forms known to man and the styles of the Pueblos, Hopi, Navajo, Cherokee and Catawba are each very distinctive. To be authentically traditional, craftsmen use natural clay and create the structures by hand without the use of potter's wheels. Colors are all derived from organic sources like minerals and plants, and stones or pine pitch are used to achieve a lustrous or shiny finish.
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.
About the Author:
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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