A Brief Insight into Navajo Jewelry

Though the history of Navajo jewelry is nearly 12,000 years old, it first gained attention in the 1850s when Atsidi Sani, the first Native American silversmith, impressed everyone with his magnificent work that included conchos, beaded Native American bracelets, and a variety of other jewelry items. Turquoise was later used in combination with silver, somewhere in the 1900s, by Atsidi Chon, another prominent figure in Native American jewelry making. Since then, silver and turquoise have been one of the most important and prominent parts of Native American jewelry crafting!

The motifs commonly found in Navajo Indian jewelry and art items often include flowers, leaves, beads, and hand stamp work. Also, the stones used in them are usually large, chunky, but beautiful and make you fall in love with them. Made up of beaded silver, the squash blossom necklace by the Navajo is the most popular and unique piece of jewelry made by the Native American tribe and since the late 19th century, these necklaces have literally dominated the Navajo jewelry style. Not to forget the gorgeous Naja pendant (in the shape of an inverted crescent) that gives the finishing touch. The squash blossom necklaces are popular – not only among Native American jewelry but in the whole necklace industry!

While the Zuni, another Native American tribe, is credited to first perfected Inlay style jewelry, they are Navajo Indians who have become some of the most prolific inlayers around. The design of inlay generally starts with a piece of jewelry, generally in Sterling Silver, with channels or voids that allow the piece to be inlaid with numerous color combinations and gemstone cuts. 
If you are a fan of the Navajo Indian jewelry and art or looking for beaded Native American bracelets, shop from the best stores online and bring this centuries-old cultural heritage to your wardrobe.

Silversmithing in the Navajo Culture and Turquoise Bracelets: A brief insight into the centuries-old art form

The Navajo people started making silver jewelry in the 1860s. Atsidi Sani, the popular Native American silversmith is often credited as the first Navajo who learned the trade from the Spaniards who came here in search of silver and gold. Turquoise carries a great significance in the Navajo culture and has a prolonged history. In fact, to the Navajo people, it is more precious than gold or silver. Turquoise and other stones were kept as personal adornment by Southwest Indians. The Navajo people started making turquoise bracelets in the late 1890s. The bracelets were hand-forged from ingot or sand-cast and cruder in the original form. Because of their one-of-a-kind designs and historical value, Native American bracelets have become increasingly popular among Jewelry collectors all over the world.

The abundance of turquoise available in the Southwest made Navajo Silversmiths become masters of cutting, polishing and mounting a wide variety of Turquoise in sterling silver settings. Today, you will find several bright and beautiful colors in handmade turquoise jewelry, from the cleanest blue to the darkest green. The fascination with turquoise has dramatically increased over the period throughout many countries of the world. People are looking for quality, beautiful stones and Navajo beaded bracelets that can let them embrace their love for this centuries-old art form.

If you are also seeking Navajo jewelry or Navajo art-inspired items online, check out websites like Navajo-Artist that are online leaders in Native American jewelry and artifacts. In addition to jewelry items, from these online galleries, you can also buy Navajo style coffee mugs, wallets, coin purses, and more. Love the Navajo art and culture? Bring the beautiful elements of this historic art into your homes and lives!

The Importance Of Storytelling In The Navajo Culture

As the Navajo people explored their land, storytelling became such an important tool for them. It was used as a medium to pass down traditions, such as local customs, how to live off the land, and how to survive in the natural environment. They also used designs and symbols to tell a story or to communicate, and this is evident till today in many arts, crafts, and accessories such as the Navajo design wallets, mats, and others, where symbols used can tell a story to the viewer.

When other nationalities started to settle in their land, most of the natives were forcibly relocated to lands that were not their own. However, their customs, language, and religion were ways for them to remain connected to each other and their homeland, and keep their legacies alive.

Through storytelling, people of the Navajo community and other Native Americans keep their tribal languages alive. They also use it to pass myths down to future generations.

Song, Music, and Dance

Navajo people use storytelling in the form of songs, music, and poetry to illustrate their history. Additionally, it became a way of entertaining the tribe besides being a teaching method. Some hero myths and folklore were other forms of storytelling, which saw seemingly ordinary men given superhero powers and gave tribesmen a sense of pride within their people. This act is also depicted in some of the Navajo symbols and designs.

As mentioned earlier that storytelling was an important method for Native Americans to pass down their history and traditions, it can be seen as the seeds from which entertainers, teachers, and historians grew.

An Important Legacy

Through storytelling, Navajo people shared, preserved, and paid tribute to their early beginnings, so future generations could continue what their forefathers had done.

Get a Navajo pattern trifold wallet, mug or any craft if you want to gift any family or friend who belongs to the Navajo community.

Hogans - The Legacy behind Traditional Navajo Homes

Navajo tribe or the Diné is a native American tribe known for their art and craft skills. The Navajo people created masterpieces that continue to beckon the delight of art-enthusiasts. Even with their popular history and cultural heritage, the history of their homes (Hogans) and lifestyle is still not known by many.

To throw light on their legacy of traditional living, here are some details about Navajo homes or Hogans.

Historical Significance

Hogans are traditionally built houses that are inhabited by the Navajo Tribe. As per Navajo culture, it is believed that every Navajo family must have a Hogan irrespective of their other homes. Historically, Hogans are believed to be the places where the Navajo people performed ceremonies to keep themselves in balance with life.

The architecture of Hogans

Hogans are characterized by unique architectural features. These are made of a conical frame and are round in shape. Some of the common materials used to build these houses include tree bark, mud, and wooden poles. To build a Hogan, the sticks are set at an angle of 45 degrees, after which an opening is made to the west side of the house.

Symbolization of directions

Hogans were built according to the directions in which they are present. The eastern direction is used for making the entrance of the Hogan which symbolizes “thought”. The south is for heading towards the house which is symbolized by “organization”. The north is for heading inside the house which symbolizes mercy and satisfaction and lastly, the west is also for heading towards the house and it symbolizes life.

Conclusion

The Hogans were built by Navajo people and deserted when someone died. This is because they believed that it was inhabited by evil and so they destroyed it. Their history paved the way for their intriguing culture and artistic skills. For this reason, the trifold wallet in the Navajo pattern is popular to date.

To buy Navajo design wallets and other art collectibles, visit the websites of various Navajo collectible retailers.

 

Blending Irresistible Tribal Nuances in a Contemporary World

The Contemporary world we live in today has the robust tribal cultures of the bygone days that has mingled with urban finesse to redefine interior home decor. From their ravishing brush strokes to their intricate designs, somewhere between cultural blends, we found our muse hidden amongst a brilliant tribal community that till date portrays its cultural excellence through breath-taking fine arts.

Being the second-largest federally recognized tribe flourishing in the heart of South-Western United States, the majestic Navajo tribe has an invigorating story of their daily life and culture mirrored in their exquisite collection of Navajo arts and crafts.

Welcoming an Exuberant Culture to your Modern Home

The rich heritage of the Native American Navajo tribe reflects in the distinct craftsmanship of their fine arts and drawing inspiration from the very core of the brilliant tribe is a striking fusion of authentic Navajo art, sourced directly from the stunning online gallery by Navajo artist, Lajasta Wauneka. The enriching undertones of the vibrant art pieces have further influenced the concept of ‘tribal meets contemporary’ with an exciting range of plush household items now accentuating modern homes.

A Little Speaks A Lot

In a world where people are caught up between minimalism and eccentric tribal vibrancy, a memorable minimalist collection incorporating some of the most ravishing Navajo art nuances have recently grasped the attention of the art admirers. Casting back the same brilliant undertone that outlines the Navajo fine art is a handy collection of your day-to-day necessities, that stretches from your morning coffee mug to your coin purse or everyday wallet and even your exquisite jewelry and accessory collection.

Creating a striking contrast to your everyday ensemble, the Navajo-inspired collection of everyday items ooze an extraordinary opulence that is simply irresistible to the eyes. If you’ve always found yourself intrigued by the extravagant energy portrayed by the Navajo fine arts, we are sure you’d simply fall in love with these items.

Beads Help Tell the Story of Ancient Native Americans

Beads have stood the test of time lasting, in some cases, for thousands of years. In prehistoric times, the descendants of Native Americans used the Native American beaded cuff bracelet and other types of beads as adornment in jewelry as well as a way to trade. The way the beads are crafted also said a lot about the methods and culture of the people of the time.

• The History Of The Native American Beads

Something more certain is the fact that beads have a long history with Native American people. From the materials they used to how the beads were incorporated in their daily lives, everything tells a story. Some tribes like the Navajo have “story bead” necklaces and also Navajo silver cuff bracelet where symbols and figures were carved into flat pieces of turquoise or some other type of stone, and strung with other beads. Mothers of the Native Americans then used the necklaces to illustrate stories and handed down from generation to generation.

• Materials Used In Making Beads

Most of the Native American beads were made from wood and bone. The materials were sturdy and long-lasting. The beads were also easily fashioned and carved into different styles and designs. Semi-precious stones like turquoise were and still are often used in making Native America jewelry, along with shells that are also another popular material in crafting beads for adornment purposes.

• The Belief Behind Beads

In early days, some tribes believed that fashioning the beads was a sacred task. In others, it was found that only the women were allowed to create the beads. Regardless of who could or could not make the beads, there were a variety of processes that could be used.

Today, beads hold a fascination for many hobbyists. It is not only because of the history that the beads have but also because of the vast array of choices available. The white settlers, glass beads and metals like copper and silver are now incorporated into jewelry design, which also makes beads a popular part of jewelry.

The Traditional Navajo Medicine Bags

Almost everyone at some point of life has been drawn by the beauty of turquoise and silver jewelry or the natural colors of American Indian arts. Since the art form has gained huge popularity, a lot of manufacturers have started producing Navajo inspired items such as Navajo art on purses and Navajo art on a coin purse.In order to maintain the authenticity, the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 says that any item produced after 1935 which is marketed using terms such as “Indian,” “Native American” or “Alaska Native” must be made by a member of a State or federally-recognized tribe or certified Indian artisan.

The growth of the art

In 1872 the first Navajo silversmiths, Atsidi Chon, came to Zuni to make silver jewelry for sale.In return for the hospitality, Atsidi taught the art of making silver ornaments to a Zuni named Lanyade. After Lanyade taught several other Zunis to make silver jewelry, the craft began to spread throughout the village. In time the Zuni developed a distinctive style of lapidary work, which centered around the turquoise by using many small cuts and well-matched stones.

The earliest Navajo bags

The earliest form of Navajo bags were a medicine bag that contained items which were believed to safeguard spiritual powers of the owner. Because the medicine bag was a very precious possession, its contents were considered holy by the tribal community. The most interesting fact about its contents was that it was meant to be kept as a secret by the owner. The bundle or the bagis wrapped into layers and it should never touch the ground. Prayers and rituals usually accompany the manufacture and opening of medicine bundles.

In traditional Navajo medicine bag, the pouch or bundle is usually made of leather and stitched with sinew or rawhide lace so that it could be worn or hung. Varied cloth fabrics are also used to make these bags rich with decoration. They might be painted, beaded, or quilled with tribal designs, medicine wheels, totems, and much more. Embellishments might include feathers, beads, metal, and fringe.

The fascination for the Navajo art is undying and this is leading to contemporary changes. Look for stores that specializes in this art form to satiate your artistic cravings.

Navajo Art and Mugs - The Legend of Hashtl'ishnii (Mud People) Clan

“Art unfolds in most beautiful ways through history”. Speaking of art, it is intriguing to know that various art enthusiasts have developed a fascination with Navajo art inspired mugs. When an art lover sips his morning coffee in a Navajo mug, he might not think that there is a whole story behind the creation of the Navajo art.

Let’s explore the roots of the creation of Navajo art and culture by looking at the legend behind the mud people clan.

The Legend

The Navajo tribe is a Native American tribe which inhabits the Navajo nation. They define themselves as Dine (the people) and idealize “the changing woman”. According to the legend, It is this woman who created the four Navajo clans by giving them different symbols. The Hashtl'ishnii or the mud people clan were gifted a cane (gish) by the changing woman, thus giving skills and creativity to these members. This is how these people created various Navajo art designs, mugs, and jewelry.

Activities by Hashtl'ishnii (Mud People Clan)

Going by the legend, the mud people clan in the Navajo tribe uses their skills in creating various designs. The patterns are found on various mugs and jewelry. In addition, the mud people clan is known to engage in weaving. They have woven various rugs both for domestic and economic purposes. The Hashtl'ishnii clan people practice different art and crafts. Their creativity can be found in different pottery works done by them. The artisans are known to use abstract geometric patterns and darker colors in their art.

Navajo creations- Mugs v/s Clan Cups

The Navajo mugs and the clan cups may sound similar, but in actuality, they are two unique concepts. Conventionally, the mugs have Navajo patterns engraved on them which are either created by artists or by the people of the clan. Clan cups, on the contrary, are mugs which have names of different clans engraved on them. They can be a set of two-three mugs or one mug which has the name of the clan in the native and the English language.

As you know about the legend behind Navajo art, it’s time you included new items like Navajo art mugs in your collection. Browse through the websites of various Navajo item retailers.

Identify Authentic Native American Art and Crafts

The rampant sale of counterfeit native art & crafts throughout the USA has hurt this Native American industry deeply. According industry reports, their art forms have allowed them to stay connected to their culture and history and also be a means of livelihood. But the imitation of their work misrepresented as genuine in the market is no short of a personal attack, implying that the impact isn’t just financial. 

And it’s not only the artists who face the consequences of fakes or reproductions. The consumers who look for real Native American art and crafts are also the victims. Whenever there’s a prized native art in the market for sale, its imitation comes out at a much lower cost in no time, tricking consumers into buying it. 

As a consumer who embraces Native American art, you may want the best for your money when buying American Indian arts and crafts. If so, here are a few ways that can help you identify authentic Native American art and craft, be that Navajo art on a coffee mug or any other:

Price 

Almost every prized Native art commands a higher price. However, fraudsters sell imitations misrepresented as originals at a much lower price. If you come across any inexpensive souvenir-type items, avoid buying them. Usually, authentic high-quality Native American crafts are expensive.

Appearance 

Authentic native art and crafts have no wavering lines or uneven designs. If the images are blurred or look disoriented, the picture should be clear to you. Let’s say you are looking for Native American coffee mugs. High-quality mugs are well-cut and have a clear and uniform design imprinted on them. Moreover, you can look for the artist’s signature or hallmark to ensure that you are buying an authentic product.

Tip: If you want to ensure that you get an authentic product, always buy it from a reputable dealer who maintains quality and offer a guarantee of authenticity.

Bottom Line

With the market flooded with counterfeit Native American art, you need to lookout for signs that differentiate the authentic art from others.

Navajo-Pueblo Influences and The Culture of Weaving

The Puebloans and Navajos of the Southwestern United States share a close relationship. Although both cosmologies reflect that each civilization is distinct and carries its own historic and evolutionary process, the two cultures are, to some extent, influenced by each other and were found in the same Four Corners area - a very sacred place for both groups of people. The cosmologies of these two groups developed with time as products of the observations and interpretations of the societies' environment. It can be seen throughout the Pueblo and the Navajo history. 

Navajos came to the southwest with their own traditions of weaving; however, they learned to weave cotton on upright looms from Pueblo people by the mid 19th century. Traditionally, Navajo weaving made use of natural dyes of white, brown, indigo, raveled red and cochineal. The Navajo worked specifically with sheep wool, which was obtained by the Spanish. Navajo artists’ woven pieces were mainly blankets and saddle blankets, which were also valuable trade items. Later on, mass-produced blankets began to replace the Navajo blankets, which were time-consuming to weave. Today Navajos are no longer weaving for their own use, but producing beautiful art pieces for homes, including their own.

The ancient and beautiful art form of the Native Americans has been created and recreated for centuries. If you are a fan of the historical Navajo art wanting to embrace their love for it, you can shop for Navajo art-inspired items and make an arty change to your lifestyle.