Navajo Turquoise Jewelry: The History of Its Elegance
The “living” stone of turquoise remains the heart of Navajo jewelry. Its perceived powers and color-changing abilities captivate everyone from artisans to admirers. Inspired by Spaniards, the techniques used to make Navajo turquoise jewelry keep with... Read more
Pueblo Pottery Exhibit Transforms Storytelling
When thinking of art exhibits, you may imagine walking through rooms and halls filled with artifacts silently vying for your attention. Placards reveal dates, names, and some relevant details about the pieces. Sometimes the visit seems more like a grade school history... Read more
Navajo Jewelry: A Journey of Sophistication
When thinking about Navajo jewelry, many picture chunky turquoise with heavy silver. However, much has changed since the Navajo began making jewelry. After the Spanish taught the Navajo how to silversmith, their techniques and designs became innovative, unique, and... Read more
Bolo Ties – An Iconic Representation of Culture
After its invention in 1954, the bolo tie has become a fashion staple primarily among those who live in the southwest. An Arizonian by the name of Victor Cedarstaff is a possible individual responsible for creating the bolo tie. According to historians, one windy day... Read more
A Resurgence of Mata Ortiz Pottery
The saying that certain pieces of art are timeless perfectly explains Mata Ortiz Pottery. Named after the village in which it originated, Mata Ortiz is a small village of over 1000 people located in Chihuahua, Mexico. Although being a potter in Mata Ortiz today is the... Read more
Zuni Fetish Carvings and Their Meanings
Today, the Zuni Pueblo is located directly west of Albuquerque, reaching the eastern Arizona border. The Zuni people have an intricate religious belief system and prolific art history behind them that revolves around nature and animal spirits. The Zuni Pueblo of New... Read more
Various Types of Native American Jewelry by Tribe
Not only is Native American jewelry unique and beautiful, but it is also steeped in culture, history, and tradition. The tribes that make these incredible pieces have been doing so for centuries with natural materials they find around them, such as shells, beads,... Read more
Pueblo Pottery Meaning and Symbolism
Pueblo pottery is handmade by various indigenous Pueblo peoples. Many members of the Navajo Nation also create pottery; however, Navajo is not classified as a Pueblo. Over the years, Pueblo pottery has gained popularity due to its remarkable beauty and craftsmanship.... Read more