The History of Native American Culture & American Indian Art

American Indian art goes back to the earliest days of tribal cultures. While there are many tribal groups, it has been found that most all pieces of artwork produced by American Indians have similar aesthetics and characteristics. It should be noted that prior to the 19th century, any artwork produced by American Indians was noted for its functional value alone. After this time period, American Indian artwork was primarily considered for its artistic elements.

In terms of the forms of art from Indians from America that exist, there are many. These include rugs, jewelry, other woven textiles, sculptures, statues, baskets, masks, dolls, drawings, paintings, and much more. Contemporary American Indian works of art also include photographs and multi-media pieces. American Indian artwork can be found at museums, galleries, and collections that are private.

Characteristics of Indian Art

One of the defining characteristics of this Indian art across the ages remains the artists’ use of objects sourced from the world of nature to create their work. Plants provide the material needed to create dyes for coloring rugs and weavings. Baskets are shaped out of reeds as well as other grasses. Feathers and quills are parts of different elaborate outfits decorated by American Indians.

Where the significance of artwork created by such Indians is concerned, such art has always had a useful function attached to it. Nonetheless, in modern-day society, most pieces of this Indian art serve more of an aesthetic function. Where they are hung in homes for people to display and to admire.

Most pieces of artwork produced by Indians from America have a spiritual meaning behind them. To illustrate this, eagle feathers on certain outfits are meant to portray the authority that a person has as a member of a tribe. Furthermore, in certain tribes, turquoise and silver are meant to reflect the person wearing them’s spiritual ties to their native lands.

Indian Arts and Crafts Act

It should be noted that the United States has passed an Indian Arts and Crafts Act in the early 90’s. This prohibits the selling of arts and crafts labeled as being made by Indians from North America if they were not actually created by North American Indians. Under this law, an Indian must be a registered member of either a federal or state tribe. In order to be able to sell works of Native American art.

In terms of purchasing art created by such Indians, they could actually be bought directly from an Indian reservation. The Indian Arts and Crafts Board will provide a listing of Indian artists who are registered to sell artwork in each state within America. Some of these artists have stores, catalogs, and/or websites from which purchases can be made. Buying from a reservation ensures that the artwork is authentic.

In conclusion, American Indian Art is beautiful and typically has a spiritual meaning behind it. At one point in time, it solely served a useful function, though today it mostly is displayed for aesthetic reasons. Many different forms of Indian art exist, and different natural elements such as plant dyes are used in the pieces of artwork. Only American Indians registered to sell their artwork are certified by law as the sellers of genuine Native American Art. It is best to purchase American Indian artwork through a reservation.

Native American Culture

Native American Cultural are usually run by a tribal group and they will offer a great mixture of the village culture. This tour provides knowledge of the American culture.

The Americans has an indigenous culture for thousands of years and the history of the culture is vast and fascinating. The Native American Cultural Tours offer the visitors a unique way to learn about the American culture. Some cultural tours meander through accident native ruins and others take visitors to the heart of the sacred native lands. It is designed for the individual who desires to understand of some of the indigenous cultures of the United States. The aim of this tour is to further the understanding, knowledge, and respect for the ancient culture. The mountain valley has resided here for a thousand years and the culture is one if the incorporation. Still, live in their traditional houses.

Find Quality American Indian Jewelry at Great Prices

American Indian jewelry is a beautiful example of Native culture and tradition. This beautiful type of jewelry is mostly made by hand, giving it a unique quality, unlike cheap fabricated jewelry. Nowadays, Indian people often make a living by selling their hand-crafted jewelry and art pieces to make a living. Buying Native Indian jewelry allows you to be a part of helping them support their culture and continue practicing their traditions.

Like all Native American arts and crafts, each piece of jewelry is created from a Tribe rich in history and a vivid past. For example, Native American jewelry produced by the Tigua Indians, a Puebloan tribe, is truly extraordinary. Due to the fact that during the 1930’s, their Tribe was thought by some to be extinct. It wasn’t until they rallied together and began to assert themselves as a people, claiming the land that they had lost from a dishonored Spanish land grant, that they were at last identified in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson as a tribal nation. The signing of the law by the president made Ysleta Del Sur, their new land near El Paso, Texas. Into a reservation where they speak their Native language, and practice traditional customs.

Native American Tribes

Like most Indian Tribes, the Tigua Indians make jewelry and other works of art for a living. Their jewelry is similar to the jewelry made by the Navajo Tribe of the United States. And is known for its incredible design and intricate detail. By incorporating natural elements, beads and glass, along with real pieces of sterling silver. They create intriguing works of art that exemplify the best of Native tradition and hand-made Indian jewelry. Owning a piece of Tigua jewelry provides you a true appreciation of their talent and a look into the lifestyle of the Tigua Tribe. Traditional craftsmanship is what makes this jewelry one-of-a-kind, and a must-have for jewelry lovers and collectors.

Where to buy Native American Jewelry

When buying Native jewelry, it is a good idea to shop wisely and not be misled by cheap substitutes. Buying original items, hand-made by American Indians, will ensure the quality of your jewelry. And give you the satisfaction of knowing that your investment is the real thing. As you shop for Native American jewelry, you will find that it can be quite costly, like most fine handmade jewelry. Fortunately, with a little work, you can find great pieces at reasonable prices if you know where to look. Buying online is one of the best ways to come across terrific deals as well as a wide selection of jewelry available.

Genuine Native American jewelry makes a great gift idea for jewelry lovers and for those who are fascinated by Native culture. From a wide selection of beautiful classic pieces like necklaces and bracelets. You won’t have a problem choosing just the right gift for those on your list. No matter who you are buying for, remember that buying authentic American Indian jewelry is not only an investment in fine jewelry. But also an investment in the Native culture. You will enjoy helping keep their customs alive while wearing exquisite pieces of American Indian jewelry. If you want to know the value of Native American Jewelry you own, you can contact American Indian art appraisals .

Also Read: Fine Art Appraisal and Art Authentication