Native American Crafts

Native American bone chokers originally were made from bird legs. They were seldom used as just ornamentation. They were used as physical protection for the throat from a possible knife attack. The jugular vein is in the neck and is lethal if cut. They were also used in conjunction with physical protection as a spiritual protection for the voice. Because most birds are noted for the sounds they make or for their singing quality. The spirit of the bird could be invoked to protect the person's voice from ailments, jealousy or fatigue.

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From ancient times to the present, Native Americans have created baskets. In fact, basket weaving is one of the oldest crafts developed by man.

Native American Indian baskets range from very simple to elaborate and colorful works of art that took great skill to make. This artwork often involves secret techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation among Native American Indian mothers and daughters.

It is not uncommon for a well-crafted basket to contain over one hundred thousand stitches! 

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The shaman's rattle is a most sacred instrument. The rattle is believed to embody the sacred forces of the cosmos through its sounds, structural features, contents, and connection to the spirit world. The gourd rattle is described as the sound of Creation. The creation stories tell of the first sound, a shimmering sound, which went out in all directions; this was the sound of "the Creator's thoughts."

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Silver jewelry can be created many ways. Pure silver is generally too soft for jewelry making, so it is combined (alloyed) with other metals. All the terms used to describe the various creation processes can be confusing. Here is a guide to sort it all out.

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