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.
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.
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