Native American Arts and Crafts: Jewelry
When it comes to Native American arts and crafts, one of the largest categories tend to revolve around uniquely styled jewelry. One of the most common components of Native American arts and crafts type of jewelry tends to be stones or beads, especially those made up of turquoise.
Turquoise is a prominent stone in most Native American arts and crafts, for one reason or another. Whether it be for the color of the sky or the symbolic rendition of water or rain, the turquoise stone has been held in great esteem by most Native Americans for ages and those who have taken up Native American arts and crafts as a hobby or main art form.
Although, the precious stone is not only present in jewelry. It’s also common to see turquoise in statues or different types of garments, especially those worn during festivals or other special gatherings. Silver also tends to go hand in hand with turquoise – a tradition which began with the Navajo sometime during the 1850’s. Many people who are involved in Native American arts and crafts choose to combine these two elements, in order to create their own one of a kind necklaces, bracelets, anklets and earrings.
Native American Arts and Crafts: Dream Catchers
Another place that turquoise is prevalent would have to be in the creation of dream catchers. These dream catchers are relatively common to come by, since many people own one nowadays, and they can be made by hand by just anyone is in interested in Native American arts and crafts.
The creation of a dream catcher is a fun DIY activity and is common among Native American arts and crafts. Hand making these decorations can be an enjoyable hobby to take up. It’s also an art form that is rich in history and even has a fantastical legend behind its origin.
Native American Arts and Crafts: Whittling
Another category among Native American arts and crafts is wood work. Whether it be hand carving or using a larger tool, working shapes out of wood can be described as an ancient craft. Not only has wood carving been common with Native American arts and crafts, it has also been a traditional art form for a plethora of different cultures around the world.
From Europeans to the ancient Egyptians, whittling is one activity that has been known for eons. Some of the oldest antiques found have been carved from wood or stone.
Native American Arts and Crafts: Clay
Speaking of sculpture, clay work is another useful form of Native American arts and crafts that can be a fun hobby to look into. This includes figure sculpting and molding vases or bowls out of clay. Although there is no specific type of clay that must be used in these Native American arts and crafts, it’s suggested that you use a type of clay that is fired in a kiln, rather than air dried.