The earliest inhabitants of what are now known as the United States were the great tribal nations of the Navajo, Cherokee, Apache, Hopi, Mohawk, Seminole, Pueblo and many more. Each one existed independently, with their own spiritual beliefs, cultural traditions, laws, history and artistic style. Plenty of Native American gift shops offer authentic products created by skilled artisans of The People.
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.
Stores that provide quality products of authentic origin can often be found near reservations or in places that have a strong tribal presence. This type of inventory consists of items that have been individually hand crafted by artisans who have been taught trade skills that have been traditionally passed down through generations. They are constructed with great pride and attention to detail that makes each one a quality piece.
To craft as the ancestors did hundreds of years in the past, and to retain authentic quality, all materials should be natural. Some of the items used in construction are feathers, fur, leather, wool, quills, gems, stones, silver and clay that actually comes from the ground. Pieces are hand made featuring earth tones, geometric shapes and focusing on spiritualism, parts of nature, animals, stars, the moon and the sun quite often.
A lot of people who seek out authentic and traditionally styled crafts of high quality often appreciate the skill of basketry. Each region varied their techniques depending on the materials that were available to work with. As an example, all types of baskets, trays and jars are constructed of whale baleen in the far north area of Alaska, thin strips of wood in the northeast and grass or yucca leaves in the southwestern zones.
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.
Kachina dolls are a highly desired art form are a commonly recognized specialty of many Pueblo tribes including the Navajo, Zuni and especially the Hopi. They are spiritual totems typically representing animals, humans or the sun, and are often sculpted in dancing poses. Such figurines are believed to be imbued with supernatural qualities that are capable such feats as bringing rain, increasing fertility or promoting better health and well being
Beading is an art that will vary in style with each region. Seed beads are used by almost all traditional artisans to add embellishment to many items, including shoes, clothing, fabrics, pipes, drums and basket handles, as well as to create beautiful jewelry. There are hundreds of authentic traditional tribal crafts that one may find and enjoy.
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.
Stores that provide quality products of authentic origin can often be found near reservations or in places that have a strong tribal presence. This type of inventory consists of items that have been individually hand crafted by artisans who have been taught trade skills that have been traditionally passed down through generations. They are constructed with great pride and attention to detail that makes each one a quality piece.
To craft as the ancestors did hundreds of years in the past, and to retain authentic quality, all materials should be natural. Some of the items used in construction are feathers, fur, leather, wool, quills, gems, stones, silver and clay that actually comes from the ground. Pieces are hand made featuring earth tones, geometric shapes and focusing on spiritualism, parts of nature, animals, stars, the moon and the sun quite often.
A lot of people who seek out authentic and traditionally styled crafts of high quality often appreciate the skill of basketry. Each region varied their techniques depending on the materials that were available to work with. As an example, all types of baskets, trays and jars are constructed of whale baleen in the far north area of Alaska, thin strips of wood in the northeast and grass or yucca leaves in the southwestern zones.
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.
Kachina dolls are a highly desired art form are a commonly recognized specialty of many Pueblo tribes including the Navajo, Zuni and especially the Hopi. They are spiritual totems typically representing animals, humans or the sun, and are often sculpted in dancing poses. Such figurines are believed to be imbued with supernatural qualities that are capable such feats as bringing rain, increasing fertility or promoting better health and well being
Beading is an art that will vary in style with each region. Seed beads are used by almost all traditional artisans to add embellishment to many items, including shoes, clothing, fabrics, pipes, drums and basket handles, as well as to create beautiful jewelry. There are hundreds of authentic traditional tribal crafts that one may find and enjoy.
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