Southwest Indian jewelry
Painstakingly compiled and with an expert, knowledgeable commentary by Shelby J. Teasdale, Fine Indian Jewelry Of The Southwest: The Millicent Rogers Museum Collection offers an impressively informative history and survey of the southwestern Native American jewelry that is represented in the collection of the Millicent Rogers Museum as the result of art patron and passionate collector Millicent Rogers who assembled a spectacular collection of Navajo and Zuni silver and turquoise, Hopi
and Pueblo stone and shell jewelry during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Of special interest is the chapter devoted to "The Origins of Indian Jewelry in the Southwest". Profusely illustrated and a very strongly recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library
Studies reference collections, Fine Indian Jewelry Of The Southwest is enhanced for scholars and non-specialist general readers alike with the inclusion of a glossary, references, and an index.
American Indian jewelry is a beautiful symbol of Indigenous culture and tradition. This exquisite style of jewelry is mostly hand-crafted, giving it a distinctive quality unlike commercially made jewelry. Now days, Indian people often support themselves by selling their beautiful hand crafts, jewelry, and other intriguing works of art to make a living. Purchasing Native Indian jewelry allows you to be a part of helping them support their culture and continue practicing their customs.
As with all American Indian hand crafts, each piece of jewelry comes from a Tribe rich in history and a vivid past. For example, Native American jewelry created by the Taiga Indians, a Pueblo an tribe, is truly exceptional due to the fact that around the 1930's, their Tribe was believed to be obsolete. It wasn't until they reunited and began to express themselves as a people, reclaiming the land that they had lost from a dishonored Spanish land grant, that they were at last recognized in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson as a tribal nation. The signing of the law by the president made Ysleta Del Sur, their new land near El Paso, Texas, into a reservation where they speak their Native language, and practice traditional customs.
Like the majority of Indian Tribes, the Taiga Indians make jewelry and other works of art for a living. Their jewelry is comparable to the jewelry made by the Navajo Tribe of the United States, and is known for its incredible design and intricate detail. By combining beautiful pieces of turquoise, shell, glass beads and precious stones, along with real pieces of sterling silver, they create beautiful works of art that exemplify the best of Native American culture and hand crafted Indian jewelry. Purchasing a piece of Taiga jewelry provides you a true appreciation of their unique talent and a glimpse into the Taiga way of life. Traditional craftsmanship is what makes this jewelry incomparable, and a must have for jewelry lovers and collectors.
When shopping for Native American jewelry, it is important to look around and not be deceived by cheap imitations. Buying genuine items, handmade by Native Indians, will ensure the future of your jewelry, and give you the assurance of knowing that your jewelry is an original. As you shop for Native American jewelry, you will see that it can be quite costly, as is most jewelry made by hand. Fortunately, with a little work, you can find fantastic pieces at low prices if you know where to look. Purchasing online is one of the greatest ways to find cheap deals as well as a great variety of jewelry to choose from.
Authentic Native American jewelry makes great gifts for jewelry enthusiasts and for those who are intrigued by Native American culture. From a wide variety of bolo ties, bracelets, necklaces, watches, rings, and more, you won't have a problem deciding on just the right gift for young or old. Whether buying for yourself, a friend or loved one, remember that purchasing genuine pieces of American Indian jewelry is not only an investment in fine jewelry, but also a way to help the Native American people. You will enjoy having a part in keeping their traditions alive while owning elegant pieces of American Indian jewelry.
