Music holds an important role in Native American culture, used for various purposes, including recreation, healing, and expression. Complex and rich with emotion, Native American music is touted as intricate and interesting. Though Native Americans use various instruments to create music, perhaps the most well-known is the drum. Native American drums symbolize and express their… Continue Reading
The Santa Fe Summer Indian Market proved, yet again to be a success this past weekend! From August 18th-19th, Native artists, performers and guests alike lined the streets of the petite Southwestern city of Santa Fe, celebrating the Indian Market’s 97th year. Each year, over 100,000 guests flock to see the handcrafted Indian art displayed… Continue Reading
August is the month of Tala’paamuya, marking the start of the summer social dances for the Hopi; the Snake Dance being one of them. This particular dance is a part of the Snake-Antelope Ceremony to celebrate the beautiful summer season and crop growth! The Snake and Antelope societies join for a total of 16 days… Continue Reading
Turquoise holds a special significance in Native American culture, meaning something profound and specific to individual tribes. Referred to as the “stone of life,” many believe it is a living mineral because of its ability to change colors depending on its environment. A Living Stone All Native Americans believe that the earth is living and… Continue Reading
The medicine wheel, or Sacred Hoop, is a true symbol for life among Native American tribes and has many interpretations. It’s comprised of four quadrants, which represent several concepts: seasons of the year, stages of life, cardinal directions, and the four sides of a person–physical, emotional, spiritual, mental. The East Side The East direction of… Continue Reading