| American Indian art encompasses many types of | | | | wampum beads as a sign that the beads held |
| arts and crafts, from the more traditionally | | | | monetary significance. As such, they |
| and / or stereotypically Native American art | | | | mistakenly assumed that the word wampum |
| such as beadwork and pottery, to modern | | | | referred to money, when in actuality these |
| photography, fine paintings, sculptures and | | | | important beads were much more like very |
| the like. There are many art auctions, both | | | | important original documents. |
| online and off, that feature this form of | | | | |
| American Indian art. | | | | To string beads, Native Americans used animal |
| | | | sinew that is split very fine with which to |
| In this article well discuss one of the most | | | | attach beads to clothing, though infrequently |
| traditional and historically relevant | | | | strong plant fibers such as hide thongs or |
| branches of American Indian art: beadwork. | | | | nettle were used for these purposes. |
| Beadwork of the Native American peoples had | | | | |
| and has practical as well as decorative; | | | | Today, the Navajos as well as some pueblo |
| utilitarian as well as rich symbolic meaning. | | | | people still make the ancient bead type |
| | | | called the heishii. This is by far the most |
| Beadwork and making of the beads themselves | | | | popular and high quantity type of beadwork |
| is a very old craft. Stone, bone and shell | | | | that is still made today as it was in ancient |
| beads (such as turquoise and semi-precious | | | | times. These necklaces are also referred to |
| stones) are still made the same ancient way. | | | | as story necklaces as they can be used to |
| Little affected by modern technology, the | | | | tell stories, with each bead representing a |
| making of beads is still carried out in | | | | character. |
| nearly the exact same way as peoples did | | | | |
| thousands of years ago. | | | | Beads and beadwork are a very important part |
| | | | of archaeological explorations of |
| Sea shell bead pieces are among the most | | | | pre-European history. Beads have survived |
| popular and well known pieces of regional | | | | thousands of years and tell many fascinating |
| trade importance for thousands of years. | | | | stories about times we werent around to |
| Nearly everyone has seen American Indian art | | | | witness. This is particularly true with |
| pieces, from beaded necklaces to purses, | | | | respect to beadwork mad of sea shells. |
| belts and such. | | | | Ancient shell beads have been found thousands |
| | | | of miles from seas, which indicates various |
| For the last several decades modern beadwork | | | | trade routes and contacts among different |
| has been replicated in oriental factories and | | | | groups of people. |
| very cheaply imported. This makes it a | | | | |
| competing factor against the top quality | | | | Today American Indian artists even create |
| beadwork done by American Indian | | | | digital beadwork designs to help them make |
| craftspeople. The native American crafts | | | | actual beadwork pieces. In this way complex |
| people have lost several millions of dollars | | | | designs and pieces can be tested on the |
| (just over an eight year period during the | | | | screen before the project is begun. This has |
| 1980s) to these fake native beads and | | | | certainly added to the creative process for |
| beadwork pieces. | | | | many beadwork artists. |
| | | | |
| Historically, beads were carved from turtle | | | | Beadworking weaves through native history |
| shell, animal horn and deer hooves. These | | | | both in ancient times as well as in todays |
| were often used for making rattling or | | | | modern computer technology. The most |
| tinkling pieces utilized in dance. Hunters | | | | important aspect of beadwork, though, is not |
| often wore necklaces put together with animal | | | | what can be sold or gained, but personal |
| portions, such as bear claws or wolf claws. | | | | pieces that are only given among family and |
| These indicated a hunters prowess. Bones and | | | | friends. The true meanings behind these |
| seeds were often steamed to soften them for | | | | pieces are personal associations tied to |
| stringing and /or bending into various | | | | visions, important perspectives and other |
| shapes. | | | | things that an individual wishes to be |
| | | | reminded of. |
| As an example of beadwork used for a most | | | | |
| practical purpose, the Iroqois League | | | | John Ugoshowa. For more information about |
| (Haudenosee) used white and purple wampum | | | | Aquariums and fish care see the art aquarium |
| chains made of fresh-water clam shells to | | | | and fish care section of The Free Ad John |
| record sacred ceremonies, treaties and songs. | | | | Ugoshowa. For more information about art |
| This practice was used both before and after | | | | auctions see the art auction section of The |
| the coming of European settlers. | | | | Free Ad Forum at: |
| | | | |
| Many types of agreements were recorded with | | | | You are welcome to reproduce this article in |
| such beadwork chains. They were highly valued | | | | your ezine or website as long as you include |
| and cared for by their owners. European | | | | our link and bio above. |
| settlers mistook this care and reverence for | | | | |