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.
Often located near the reservations or other areas with high tribal concentrations, stores that feature merchandise of authentic origin are quite popular. Their inventory contains items that are individually crafted by the hands of actual tribal artisans who practice the traditional ways. With pride in the quality and personal attention to detail, each product is a unique treasure.
To craft in the traditional styles and be truly authentic, the artisans should use only natural materials as their ancestors did for hundreds of years. Construction typically includes such things as natural types of clay, silver, wool, fur, leather, gems, stones, quills and feathers, as examples. Every piece is done by hand and favored subject matters are human forms, landscapes and the elements in the skies, often featuring earthen tones, geometric shapes and spiritual symbolism.
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.
One of the oldest art forms of mankind is pottery and the many tribes, including the Catawba, Cherokee, Navajo, Hopi and Pueblos have their own distinctive styles. To get the most traditionally authentic product, the craftsmen will dig natural clay and build their structures by hand without a potter's wheel. Organically sourced plants and minerals are used to create colors, while luster and shine are achieve with pine pitch and stones.
Both haunting and captivating, kachina dolls are specialties of the many Pueblo tribes such as the Hopi, Zuni and Navajo, and are actively sought out by collectors. They are totems generally in forms representing the spirits of men, animals and the sun, often shown as dancing. The figurines are said to have the supernatural ability to perform actions like increasing fertility, assuring good health or well being and even making it rain.
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.
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.
Often located near the reservations or other areas with high tribal concentrations, stores that feature merchandise of authentic origin are quite popular. Their inventory contains items that are individually crafted by the hands of actual tribal artisans who practice the traditional ways. With pride in the quality and personal attention to detail, each product is a unique treasure.
To craft in the traditional styles and be truly authentic, the artisans should use only natural materials as their ancestors did for hundreds of years. Construction typically includes such things as natural types of clay, silver, wool, fur, leather, gems, stones, quills and feathers, as examples. Every piece is done by hand and favored subject matters are human forms, landscapes and the elements in the skies, often featuring earthen tones, geometric shapes and spiritual symbolism.
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.
One of the oldest art forms of mankind is pottery and the many tribes, including the Catawba, Cherokee, Navajo, Hopi and Pueblos have their own distinctive styles. To get the most traditionally authentic product, the craftsmen will dig natural clay and build their structures by hand without a potter's wheel. Organically sourced plants and minerals are used to create colors, while luster and shine are achieve with pine pitch and stones.
Both haunting and captivating, kachina dolls are specialties of the many Pueblo tribes such as the Hopi, Zuni and Navajo, and are actively sought out by collectors. They are totems generally in forms representing the spirits of men, animals and the sun, often shown as dancing. The figurines are said to have the supernatural ability to perform actions like increasing fertility, assuring good health or well being and even making it rain.
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.
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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.
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