True Treasures In Native American Gift Shops
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.
A lot of stores that cater to tourist will sell novelty items and products based on the iconic images of the various tribes. These are typically things like dolls wearing traditional costumes, drums, headdresses, tomahawks, dream catchers, beaded pieces, paintings, postcards and key rings. In such circumstances, those goods are generally mass produced in factories instead of created by hand.
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.
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.
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
Each region has a different style of design among artisans practicing the art of beading. The medium used by most is seed beads and they are not only used in creating jewelry, but also as embellishments on items such as drums, pipes, basket handles, fabrics, shoes and clothing. There are numerous other beautifully crafted products one may find when shopping for authentic tribal products.
A lot of stores that cater to tourist will sell novelty items and products based on the iconic images of the various tribes. These are typically things like dolls wearing traditional costumes, drums, headdresses, tomahawks, dream catchers, beaded pieces, paintings, postcards and key rings. In such circumstances, those goods are generally mass produced in factories instead of created by hand.
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.
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.
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
Each region has a different style of design among artisans practicing the art of beading. The medium used by most is seed beads and they are not only used in creating jewelry, but also as embellishments on items such as drums, pipes, basket handles, fabrics, shoes and clothing. There are numerous other beautifully crafted products one may find when shopping for authentic tribal products.
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.