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