The 101 of Native American Jewelry: Things You Should Know

Native American jewelry pieces are known for their distinctive designs and unique style. Indigenous jewelry is influenced by spiritual beliefs, legends, land, and cultures. Navajo silver cuff bracelets and beaded necklaces are popular among ladies due to their aesthetics and the fact that they are easy to accessorize with different outfits. In this article, we will talk about Native American jewelry as an art form, its function, and some interesting facts about it.

Native American jewelry, a popular ancient art form

Native American jewelry has a rich history. It dates back to at least 10,000 BC! The Paleo-Indians were the first to enter and inhabit the American land. They used bones, stones, shells, feathers, antlers, porcupine quills, and similar items to create artful jewelry pieces. The tribes spread across entire North America used to adorn themselves with jewelry made of natural materials. They ornately carved pendants from animal and fish bones and skillfully made necklaces from chipped beads of stones, coral, and shells. With time, the production of Native American art jewelry became complex. Copper, turquoise, silver, pearls, animal teeth, and claws began to be used to make jewelry.

The function of jewelry for the Native Americans

Traditionally, the wealth of the American indigenous people had to be easily portable. Jewelry was used for more than decorating or embellishing self. It was akin to a wearable bank for the adorner. It indicated social status within tribes. Native Americans showcased their history, rank, and individuality through jewelry. Traditions were carried from one generation to another by passing jewelry.

The jewelry design and style varied between tribes, so it also played a significant role in trade between them. The exchange of creative methods and technology amongst tribes also took place. For instance, the Navajos learned the art of silver-smithing in the 1850s from Mexican silversmiths and incorporated silver into their designs. The knowledge was passed on to and adopted by other tribes like the Zuni, Hopi, and Apache.

Interesting facts about Native American jewelry

1. Native Americans residing in the Southwest began selling silver and turquoise jewelry to tourists for the first time around 1900.

2. Native Americans included beads into their jewelry after being introduced to it by the first Europeans who came to North America in the 1500s.

3. Good use of semi-precious stones was made in Native American jewelry. Navajo Turquoise jewelry was popular. Howlite, Charoite, and Garnet were also popular.

4. Conch, oyster, and clamshells were grounded to make beads.

5. Stone ear spools akin to contemporary ear gauges were adorned and were given as offerings at gravesites.

6. Animal bones were particularly used by the Sioux to make jewelry. They also mastered metalwork.

7. The Calusa residing at the Southwestern coast were known for their shell jewelry.

8. The Cherokee used a lot of copper because of easy access. They resided in villages that were close to copper mines.

Final words

Native American art jewelry production is a great way for the indigenous artisans to honor as well as keep their traditions alive. When buying Native American jewelry like Navajo silver cuff bracelets, ensure to purchase from an authentic source like the NAVAJO ARTIST.

Author’s Bio: The author is an avid reader and a jewelry aficionado. The article is about Navajo silver cuff bracelets and Native American art jewelry.

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jasminmaclean14 Joined: January 17th, 2019