True Treasures In Native American Gift Shops

By Daphne Bowen


The land currently known as the United States was once the inhabited by the people of the mighty Mohawk, Pueblo, Seminole, Hopi, Apache, Cherokee and Navajo nations, as well as many other tribal societies. Each was independent of the others, with their own governments, spiritual beliefs, culture, history and art style. Many Native American gift shops will off authentic tribal crafts for sale.

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.

Stores that provide quality products of authentic origin can often be found near reservations or in places that have a strong tribal presence. This type of inventory consists of items that have been individually hand crafted by artisans who have been taught trade skills that have been traditionally passed down through generations. They are constructed with great pride and attention to detail that makes each one a quality piece.

To craft as the ancestors did hundreds of years in the past, and to retain authentic quality, all materials should be natural. Some of the items used in construction are feathers, fur, leather, wool, quills, gems, stones, silver and clay that actually comes from the ground. Pieces are hand made featuring earth tones, geometric shapes and focusing on spiritualism, parts of nature, animals, stars, the moon and the sun quite often.

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.

Among the oldest forms of art known to man is pottery, and each of the tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, Cherokee, Catawba and Pueblos, all cultivated their own uniquely distinctive design styles. Tradition and authenticity dictates that only natural clay be used and that pieces be done by hand without a modern potter's wheel. All colors should be of organic origin using plants and minerals as resources, and that shine and luster be achieve by methods like stone rubbing and pine pitch washes.

A specialty product of various Pueblo tribes like the Zuni, Navajo and the Hopi in particular, kachina dolls have fascinated many collectors and are a popular commodity. The totems are sculpted in dancing poses and designed to represent the sun, animals and men in their spirit forms. Making couples fertile, increasing someones health, promoting well being and making the rain fall are only a few of the supernatural abilities these figurines are said to possess.

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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