American indian art auctions

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