Native American jewelry is a beautiful, versatile, and meaningful art form that has long been admired by cultures around the world. The handcrafted pieces are celebrated as relics of American Indian civilization, and the evolution of mass jewelry production has included them in modern day fashion and style. One of the most unique and traditional… Continue Reading
Native American tribes have used the talking stick for hundreds of years. The talking stick allows individuals to voice their opinions in an orderly manner during council meetings and other major tribal events. The purpose of the talking stick When it is someone’s turn with the talking stick, it is his or her turn to… Continue Reading
One of the most common objects utilized in crafting Native American artifacts is the feather. We see them all the time—on headdresses, on housing, or on possessions that were present in a traditional Native American context. However, the feather is regarded as more than just an accessory in Native American culture. The feathered headdresses or… Continue Reading
Counting coup is best described as a game of strategic warfare and, in many cases, it was considered a game of intertribal warfare. This was a tradition practiced by Native Americans of the Great Plains, and earning counting coup status was the highest honor a warrior could receive during combat. When the warrior was close… Continue Reading
Gourds are crafted by Native American artisans and they have been utilized to make many items, including birdhouses, pottery, and musical instruments. The gifting of a gourd rattle is a spiritual tradition; the rattle must be handled with care, as it is highly symbolic. Here we describe the histories of a few of the gourd… Continue Reading