Our local nature museum has a very nice native American display with lots of different tribes represented. Here are some pictures that I took from the southwestern section of the display.
It seems that Indian tribes in other parts of the US did not create the same kinds of jewelry of what we collect. Still all groups have distinctive style.
Edited to take what was supposed to be in the bottom of this post from the title! Haha. The picture of the pottery is created by the Catawba Indians in York county, South Carolina. You can tell what kind of clay we have around here just by looking at the pottery.
Historically, there are numerous examples of differing forms of adornment. Take, for example, the Natives of the Southern Plains. Here is a relatively early example of a concho belt from that region. Hair drops from the same culture resemble the drop on this belt, and adorned the lengthy hair of the wearer.
While they may not be master silversmiths, some Woodland cultures hold the color of turquoise in reverence, using it in dyes and beaded jewelry. They are also, notably, masters at working Wampum shell.
Thanks again for sharing the photos from your local museum.
@Ravenscry very cool, thanks for sharing! It is interesting how well native Americans have preserved their tradition and methods through the years. That belt could have been created yesterday, as far as the style of it.
I’ve never seen a hairpiece like that, but I bet that’s a real showstopper when worn!
You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed! Both of those belts are wonderful examples, museum worthy for certain!
These are contemporary photographs, taken by Navajo artist Jeremy Salazar, showing a similar hair drop in use My personal favorite of these three is the last one.
