Craig

The long cultural tradition of the Native American pipe is still being carried on today. Skilled and dedicated Indian craftsmen create pipes in many styles and sizes. Some of these Native American pipes are relatively simple in design, perhaps with only a bit of bead work. Others are very elaborate with feathers, bones, and horsehair in addition to beads.

Long used as an instrument of war or hunting, Native American knives are now highly collectible objects. After the white man came to the New World and introduced metal knives, the flint knife basically vanished from the scene. It was not long before skilled and talented artisans began to put the Native American imprint on knives.

Among the weapons for Indian warfare and hunting were Native American lances. Especially after the introduction of the horse, the lance was pivotal in a raid. Lances were also used when hunting large game such as buffalo or deer. Even the fearsome grizzly bear could be fended off with the lance. Although Native American lances are no longer used for purposes of raids or warfare, the tradition is still carried on by Indian artisans.

Native American jewelry takes many forms, depending on the tribe and the individual artist. Making use of the materials offered by the natural world, Indians turned these simple things into objects of beauty. The tradition of jewelry styles has developed over the centuries, and often distinctive styles developed in different tribes. Some of the jewelry was considered to be currency, and was used for trade and barter between the tribes.

Much more than simply a musical instrument, the Native American hand drum is a cultural expression. Each tribe has their individual way of designing and decorating their hand drums. A knowledgeable person can tell with a glance at a drum, the Indian tribe with which it originated. Although these drums are simple in design, the meanings they add to ceremonies are often complex and spiritual.

Certain tribes are very closely associated with Native American fetish animals. The Hopi, Zuni, Inuit, and Navajo are particularly known for their fetish animals. They consider that these fetish animals are connected with the six sacred directions, which include the four points of the compass as well as the upper and lower worlds.

Everyone likes the reassurance that they will have a pleasant night's sleep, free from bad dreams. One way to help keep your dreams good is by using a Native American dream catcher. It is believed that hanging a dream catcher in an open bedroom window or near the bed will prevent bad dreams from bothering you. Your sleep will be sweeter and more restful when a dream catcher is on guard.

The most important weapon in their arsenal was undoubtedly the bow and arrow. However, the Native American bows and arrows were also used to provide food and defend against wild animals. Small Indian boys were given toy bows and arrows at an early age. This would enable them to develop their skill as they grew. By the time he was grown, the Native American man was an expert archer.

A touch of color and drama is added to any dance ceremony with Native American dance sticks. Helping the dancer to concentrate while dancing, and direct their energy, the dance stick is a unique and spiritual item. Tribal and personal variations make each stick individual. The music of Native American flutes and hand drums is given special meaning by the presence of dance sticks at a ceremony.

The materials used to make Native American baskets are as varied as the different tribes. The skilled hands and creative minds of Indian weavers have been creating these baskets for thousands of years. Although made from materials as diverse as sweet grass and pine needles, these baskets display an artistry not to be found elsewhere. Far from being a forgotten art, Native American basket weaving is alive and well today.