The Rich Heritage and Cultural Significance
Buying a piece of traditional Native American jewelry means you’ll be sporting not just a fashion statement, but a true piece of art. Whether you’re wearing a set of earrings handcrafted by a Zuni artist, or a squash blossom necklace crafted in traditional Navajo style, you’ll be supporting a rich cultural history of jewelry making which dates back to the Paleo‑Indian era.
Native American jewelry is not just an adornment; it’s a reflection of centuries‑old traditions, stories, and cultural significance. Each piece of jewelry carries with it a rich tapestry of symbols and meanings, deeply rooted in the heritage of Native American tribes across the United States.
For indigenous peoples, jewelry‑making is a sacred art form that honors their connection to the earth, their ancestors, and the spirit world. Many jewelry‑making techniques have been passed down through oral tradition, with each piece carrying the prayers and blessings of its creator. Moreover, wearing Native American jewelry is often seen as a way to honor and preserve tribal heritage. By donning these intricately crafted pieces, individuals not only celebrate the beauty of indigenous artistry but also show respect for the cultural traditions by embracing Native American jewelry meanings.
Common Materials & Design Elements
The materials used in Native American jewelry are often as significant as the symbols they bear. Turquoise, silver, and coral are commonly used in jewelry because they represent the earth, the sky, and the sea, respectively. These elements are intrinsically tied to the natural world and spirituality. Beads, made from materials like shells and stones, and the use of feathers, bones, and wood, reflect the spiritual and symbolic importance of these elements in Native American cultures. Just as the bear symbolizes healing, turquoise is considered a healing stone, and together, they embody both the physical and spiritual connection to nature.
Stones, Shells, and Color
When it comes to Native American necklaces, some of the most common materials used are turquoise, spiny oyster, coral, and other semi‑precious stones. Many necklaces also include other natural elements such as animal bones or claws, pieces of antler, or even feathers.
Turquoise is perhaps the most distinctive feature of Native American jewelry. It has long been used in rings, cuffs, pendants, and earrings in Native American jewelry, particularly emerging from the Southwestern Pueblo tribes of the United States. While the environmental conditions to make turquoise are typically centralized in what are now present‑day Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Nevada, the bustling trade economy between tribes has induced its spread throughout the United States for generations. As a result, turquoise can be seen in numerous different Native American jewelry traditions.
Metals and Silverwork
The incorporation of sterling silver in Native American jewelry dates back to the mid‑1800s when a Navajo man named Astidi Sani is reported to have acquired the basic knowledge of ironworking from a Mexican blacksmith. While the Navajo people are said to be the first tribe that incorporated silversmithing into their jewelry craft, the knowledge and practices were spread and shared throughout the United States, and silver has become a staple in the art of Native American jewelry making for many Indigenous tribes.
Beads, Bone, Feathers, and More
Beads are another common element seen in many different traditions of Native American jewelry making. There are many instances where heishi beads – small flat discs made from shells – have been discovered in ancient ruins that date back centuries. Beads can be crafted from many different types of materials, including various shells such as mother of pearl, conch, or clam, and stones like turquoise and coral. Beads were also often carved from various types of wood, animal bones, claws, and teeth. These beads were commonly strung onto necklaces or sewn into clothing.
Fetish Jewelry
Another fascinating and culturally significant style of Native American jewelry is Fetish jewelry, which showcases exceptional craftsmanship. Fetish pieces typically feature small, carved animal figures, often created by Zuni artists. These figures can be strung together as necklaces or bracelets and are imbued with symbolic meanings, representing the spiritual attributes and significance of the animals.
These carvings are deeply personal and are believed to offer the wearer the qualities of the animal they represent, such as strength, healing, or protection. Fetish jewelry is a testament to the deep spiritual and cultural traditions of Native American communities, reflecting both artistic mastery and ancestral connections.
Symbols and Their Meanings in Native American Jewelry
Animals & Birds
Animals are highly significant in Native American jewelry, each symbolizing various qualities tied to nature, spirituality, and culture. For example, the bear symbolizes courage, wisdom, and healing, while the wolf represents loyalty and strength. The turtle is often viewed as a symbol of the earth and longevity, and the raven is a powerful symbol of healing and medicine.
Other animals, like the eagle, represent strength and vision, while snakes and horses can signify transformation and freedom, respectively. Feathers are also sacred and used in nearly every Native American tribe’s ceremonies, representing spiritual connection, flight, and ascension.
Weapons & Tools
Weapons in Native American jewelry mean many things, from a broken arrow symbolizing peace between tribes, to an arrowhead bringing the wearer direction and alertness.
Plants, Weather, Elements
Plants, such as maize and cacti, may symbolize a bountiful harvest or protection. Weather symbols, like rain, lightning, the sun, or water, are also common and sacred to many Native American tribes because of the role the weather plays in the success or failure of the crop season. Squash blossom necklaces, featuring yet another harvest staple, are used for protection; the Naja is a piece of great importance and reverence to the Navajo in particular. Plants and weather, as well as the elements (fire, wind, earth, and air), are all important in Native American culture and jewelry.
Motifs like Squash Blossom & Naja
The Squash Blossom Necklace is one of the most iconic forms of Native American jewelry, particularly in the Southwestern tribes, symbolizing fertility, abundance, and protection. These necklaces feature intricate silverwork adorned with turquoise and coral stones, showcasing the craftsmanship of indigenous jewelers.
The horseshoe-shaped Naja at the center of the necklace is a significant symbol, believed to ward off evil and protect the wearer. The beadwork along the sides of the necklace mimics blossoming flowers, further connecting it to nature and the fertility of the earth. This beautiful and meaningful piece of jewelry reflects the deep connection Native American communities have with nature and the spirit world.
Authenticity, Sourcing, and Buying Guidance
Whether you’re purchasing the jewelry for yourself or someone else, make sure you speak with the salesperson to verify its authenticity. Your salesperson should be knowledgeable about the history of the jewelry they sell, as well as the artists, and can help you choose the right piece.
Turquoise jewelry is often imitated, and it can be difficult to discern if what you are purchasing is genuine. Palms Trading Company in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been selling authentic Native American jewelry since the 1960s, purchased directly from Native American artists of the Southwest. Trust us to help provide you with the perfect gift or addition to your own jewelry collection.
Why Choose Palms Trading Company & How to Experience the Art
At Palms Trading Company, we are proud to offer an exquisite collection of authentic Native American jewelry, meaning we provide you with unique, handcrafted pieces made by skilled indigenous artisans. Whether you’re looking for a unique fetish jewelry piece or something entirely custom-made, we invite you to contact us today. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you find the perfect piece to add to your collection.
Additionally, you can take advantage of our personal shopper service to receive personalized guidance in choosing the right jewelry for you or a loved one. We look forward to helping you find the perfect piece of wearable art.