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Native American Art

Cultural Value

As the emphasis on the value of jewelry grew, so did its significance in Native American society.

Custom jewelry was often made and given as a gift to mark a rite of passage. Jewelry was also used to highlight a significant physical change such as the entrance into puberty for both males and females.

As a means of proposal, Wampum (jewelry as currency) was given to a woman. By accepting this gift, she also accepted the man who gave the gift, agreeing to become his mate.

With the expansion of tribes throughout the country, the artistic expression that marked many of the items created for day-to-day use took on a personality that became unique to a tribe and its environment, similar to the changes in dialect from tribe to tribe.

Markings on utilitarian items often reflected a Native American’s place in his or her tribal social hierarchy, leaving recognizable styles and patterns on items created for such institutions as the government and military.

Creative improvisation became necessary, as the natural resources available to a particular tribe varied by location. This also helped to dictate the style and design of a particular piece.

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