Native American Reservations

by Web Master on July 20, 2012

All About Native American Reservations

There are about 2 million Native Americans in America today. Most of them have moved to urban areas, but a good number of them live in reserves. Reserves were set aside for Native Americans to extend some privileges and allow them some measure of self-governance.

In 1851, the government passed a law which allowed for the existence of the Indian Reserves. They were meant to help improve relations between the native Indians and European settlers. During this time the reserves were moved out of the trade routes established by the government. This created another problem because they isolated the native Indians from economic activities that would have taken them out of poverty. This isolation also affected tourism which could have attracted many tourists who would like to experience their culture first hand. The Native Americans reservations being out of reach of the tourist this was not possible.

In the 1930s the government began investing in infrastructure in order to help the Native Indian communities. Despite these efforts, poverty levels failed to go down. The level of crime, alcohol abuse and crime in general continued to rise. Reports show that Indian reserves have the highest levels of poverty in the country. The living conditions in these reserves have been compared to those in third world countries. The infant mortality rates are high. Alcohol abuse is the highest in the country and is responsible for most deaths in the Indian reserves.

Gaming has been a part of the Native Indian community for many years now. In the 1970s it was another area of conflict between the reserves and the Native Indians. The federal government tried to reign in the illegal gambling activities that were happening in the reserves. In 1988 congress passed a law that recognized the gaming halls in the reservations. During this time the Reagan administration tried to encourage the communities in these reserves to develop economic activities that would help reduce poverty.

Casinos and gaming halls have thrived in the Indian reserves. They are a source of employment for many Native Indians. The federal government has limited jurisdiction on these casinos and affairs of the reserves and this has allowed gaming to thrive in the reserves without unnecessary interference.

There are still some Native Indians who are skeptical about the benefits of these gaming halls and casinos. There are those who feel that the ordinary Indian has not benefited from the profits that they make. However there are many Casinos that have tried to reassure the residents by investing in hospitals and schools.

Casinos have evolved into resorts that now offer other services. Most resorts nowadays have spas and recreation facilities. The Challenge that faces many of these Indian Reservations is distance. Many of them are located far from where most Americans live. This has slowed down economic growth. However, the casinos have helped reduce the level of poverty and raise the standards of living for many Native Americans through employment and development of hospitals, schools and libraries.

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Native American Costume

by Web Master on June 20, 2012

Native American costume tips for women

Native American costume ideas make not just popular themes for Halloween or weekend costume parties but make wonderful opportunities  to know more about the rich culture of the indigenous  clothing styles of native Americans. Though the dressing style and ideas of every tribe is different in many ways, they all share a few striking similarities like the tunic and the head dress among others.

Here are some simple costume ideas that everyone could try out easily.

You can make a simple costume with a T shaped tunic pattern that could be worn with matching leggings. Ornate decorations are the hallmarks of every Native American costume. The hall mark fringes at the bottom and along the sleeves or a band of beads could all ensure a heady Native American touch to the costume. Bright colored beads and embellishments in red, pink or turquoise would add a splash of vibrancy and rugged charm to the outfit.

Accessories that could make the difference

Colorful feathers or ribbons, beads made of Pewter, wood or bone could all make wonderful accessories that can pack a punch to the costume idea.

Boots

A moccasin shoes or boots could match well with the costume. Some of the other accessories that you cannot afford to miss out include a colorful head band, a feather bow and arrow and a beaded pouch. The hair can be in braids with colorful beads or flowers to round off the Native American feel.

An Indian style wig

Make sure to have an Indian squaw wig that could immediately transform you to a charming Indian American woman. Wigs are available in a range of patterns including those that is split into plaits or those attached with a head band, to give it a real look.

War paint

A dab of red war paint on the face will give an authentic Red Indian look though it is not mandatory. So in case you are not willing to settle for anything less than the original, make sure that you apply the Snazaroo red paint on your face and enjoy the raves that follow.

Indian style jewelry

No Indian costume idea can be complete without the Indian jewelry, which could have heavy and elaborate chokers made of bones , wood or metal to give an unmistakable native American style to your profile.

There are many online shops that offer handy costume ideas and dressing tips to make it all the more exciting. So, grab the headgear and the costumes and be a Red Indian princess and steal the hearts of the onlookers!

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Native American Symbols

by Web Master on May 20, 2012

A Brief Introduction to Native American Symbols

Symbolism has played a vital role in Native American culture, as these people believed that all things inanimate and living had a spirit. Native American symbols can be considered a powerful language that conveys deeper meanings and concepts about nature, spirit, and life. These symbols attempted to convey profound perceptions and beliefs that usually cannot be conveyed through words.

Native American symbols vary in their meanings between tribes and regions. These symbols were depicted on the body, various objects, articles of daily use, and even on horses. Most symbols conveyed religious and spiritual beliefs, while others were used for conveying secret messages, and some were plain notices that provided directions or described the land or its purpose.

Apart from conveying something, many Native American symbols were mainly used for seeking help from the spirit world. Hence, such symbols would be drawn on the body, or on weapons, tools, or daily use articles for charging them with some spiritual power. The belief was that wherever the symbol was, the corresponding spiritual power would reside there.

Since Native American culture mainly aimed to live in harmony with nature and the universe, most symbols are from the natural world. One of the most important groups of Native American symbols is of Power Animals. The symbols of Power Animals were meant to empower the person or object with the powerful characteristics or traits that the animal embodied.

Power Animals were also thought to be tutelary deities, who protected a particular place, lineage, or culture. Hence, you find various images of animals on totem poles of particular tribes. They were considered guides and protectors of the tribe, and were attributed to be having medicinal power as well. Each Power Animal has particular characteristics, conveys a certain meaning and significance. For example, the bear as a Power Animal could signify strength, teaching, motherhood, or solitude, whereas a butterfly represented transformation and ability to change.

Apart from animals and birds, geometrical shapes like circles, stars, crosses, and arrows were also used as symbols by the Native Americans. For example, a plain circle depicted the fire element, whereas a circle with a dot in its center portrayed the air element. Apart from these, another popular symbol was the hand print, which symbolized life and was supposed to channel energy to the wearer of such a symbol. This symbol was widely used by warriors on their bodies, while participating in hand-to-hand combats. However, the meaning differed greatly between tribes and regions.

The colors used in Native American symbols also had special meaning, and each tribe would use specific colors that they were able to produce in their region. Colors would differ in meaning when used for symbols on the face, or as war paint. For instance, red color used on the face would mean beauty, happiness, and faith, whereas as a war paint it would depict energy, violence, and blood.

Native American Symbols still hold a lot of meaning and significance for many people, who believe in the spiritual aspect of this rich culture. People have benefited by receiving guidance or healing from these symbols.

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Indian Headdress

by Web Master on April 20, 2012

All About Indian Headdress

Native American tribes had a unique and distinct culture that people still admire to date. The clothes they wore were an important part of their culture and almost every piece of clothing had a sacred meaning. For this reason headgears, clothes and crafts were sometimes made by a skilled craftsman who had been trained from childhood.

The Indian headdress was made from feathers of the Red hawk or the Golden Hawk which were believed to be sacred. Not every one wore this headdress. Only warriors who had shown exceptional bravery were allowed to wear it. Each feather signified an achievement on the battle field for the warrior. The war bonnet consisting of many feathers was very hard to obtain. Before such a headgear was awarded to the warrior, elders had to agree that the warrior deserved it.

Like most of the other Native Indian artwork, the ones we see today have evolved over the years and are sometimes a combination of styles from different tribes. Long time ago each Indian tribe had a distinct style. When Europeans started exploring America, they were pushed closer together and this forced them to mix artwork from different cultures.

The color and the design of the headgear differed because of a number of things. One was culture; the Sioux, who lived around present day North and South Dakota, are believed to be the first to use the headgear then other tribes followed. Another thing is the area from where the tribes lived determined the style of the headdress. Since the headdress was made from feathers, the color and type of headdress will vary depending on the species of birds in the region. For this reason the head pieces would vary from one place to another.

Nowadays these headpieces are used for decoration or as costumes for Halloween and other occasions. If you want something to decorate your living room, you may go for a headdress with a lot of colorful feathers. The construction of such a headgear needs to be done in such a way that the feathers will not fall off. This is usually done by proper setting of the feathers on the headdress. The Soaring Spirits By Ted Blaylock Eagle Art Wall Decor is great addition to your home. It is about 9 by 8 inches, which is not very big but is a good size for a wall hanging. The turquoise-color accents adds feel of sophistication to the headdress. Overall the headdress is a fine piece of craftsmanship.

If you want an Indian headdress for a costume for Halloween or simply for your childs school play, you may want to look for something that can last long enough for its purpose. The problem with Indian headpieces, is that they tend to fall apart given the design of the band and the feathers. Sometimes the headpiece may come apart a few hours immediately it has been unpacked.  If you want something that is affordable yet durable try Smiffy’s Unisex-Adult Indian Headdress. This headdress is great for weekends and for costume plays. It may not last very long but it is the best headdress for that price.

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Navajo Jewelry

by Web Master on March 11, 2012

Experience the timeless beauty of the handcrafted Navajo jewelry

Choosing the right jewelry can accentuate the style statement of any women and can enrich their special and festive occasions.  People use jewelry to deck themselves up and always look out for something interesting and original. One of the latest trend setters in fashion industry is the Navajo jewelry, the handcrafted jewelry of the people belonging to the Navajo tribe.

Navajo jewelry  is available in a bevy of stunning patterns like necklaces, bracelets, anklets, cuff links, money clips, watches, rings and belt buckles- just to name a few.  These exquisite creations can be scouted for in any shops that sell Native American products or in pawnshops. Often made from a variety of materials like silver, gold and other metals, Navajo jewelry is often encrusted with precious stones, the most common being turquoise, which is used in almost all creations because of its stunning color.

However, these days, Navajo jewelry is facing a threat from cheap imitation stuff, which could rip off the unwary customers. So, to ensure that you are not being taken for a cool ride , by some fake jewelry merchant, make sure to buy only hallmarked items that would vouch for its authenticity and purity. The hallmarks could be in the form of an image or a symbol, the most common being sand painting, which interestingly is usually found in many religious items. The squash blossom and the metal stamps are the other popular hallmarks.

Another method to test whether the jewelry is real or not is to do a scratch test. When you scratch the stone, no white trails would be left if the stone is real. Native American artists only use original stones for making Navajo jewelry items.

Choose stores with a good track record to make sure that you are getting real stuff . It would be helpful if you are familiar with the various hallmarks that are being used as stamps of authenticity. In case you are in doubt, so not hesitate to seek the advice of an expert who specializes in period jewelry and tribal crafts.

Navajo jewelry makes a beautiful accessory that stands for the timeless beauty of the culture of the native Indian tribes of Navajo, who have managed to preserve their precious culture and art forms. Navajo jewelry makes a wonderful collectible or a precious gift for someone special. No matter whether you buy Navajo jewelry  as a gift, an ornament or a collectible, the bottom line reads that you are heralding the cause of the preservation of this wonderful tribal art form. Above all , it could mean that you are helping these people who are  facing an uphill task to maintain their identity in the onslaught of the mad pace of modern living!

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Native American Girl Names

by Web Master on February 11, 2012

Naming a baby is a memorable occasion in every parent’s life. Apart from giving an identity to the child, it gives the family a chance to cherish the arrival of the new member.  Ideally a name should be meaningful, easy to call out, memorize and above all beautiful. There is a long list of native and foreign names for both baby girls and boys and choosing the right one might not be as simple as it might appear.

Here are some Native American girl names along with their meanings

Native American names of Chippewa  tribe

  • ABEDABUN: meaning “dawn; sight of day.”
  • ABEQUA: meaning “stays at home.”
  • ABEQUE: meaning “stays at home.”

   Native American names of Cherokee Tribe

  • ADSILA: meaning “blossom.”
  • AMADAHY: meaning “forest water.”
  • AWINITA: meaning “fawn.”
  • GALILAHI: meaning “attractive.”

   Native American names of  Hopi Tribe

  • ANGWUSNASOMTAQA: meaning “crow mother spirit.”
  • CHA’RISA: meaning “elk.”
  • CHOCHMINGWU: meaning “corn mother.”
  • CHOSOVI: Native meaning “bluebird.”
  • CHOSPOSI: meaning “bluebird eye.”
  • CHUMANA: meaning “snake maiden.”
  • CHU’SI: meaning “snake flower.”
  • HEHEWUTI: meaning “warrior mother spirit.”
  • HONOVI: meaning “strong deer.”
  • HAKIDONMUYA: meaning “time of the waiting moon.”
  • KACHINA: meaning “sacred dancer; spirit.”
  • KASA: meaning “dressed in furs.”
  • KAYA: meaning “elder sister.”
  • KOKYANGWUTI: meaning “spider woman at middle-age.”
  • KUWANLELENTA: meaning “makes beautiful surroundings.”
  • KUWANYAMTIWA: meaning “beautiful badger going over the hill.”
  • KUWANYAUMA: meaning “butterfly showing beautiful wings.”
  • LENMANA: meaning “flute girl.”
  • LOMAHONGVA: meaning “beautiful clouds arising.”
  • MANSI: meaning “plucked flower.”
  • MUNA: meaning “overflowing spring.”.
  • NOVA  meaning “chases butterflies.”
  • NUKPANA: meaning “evil.”

   Native American names of  Algonquin Tribe

  • ALSOOMSE: meaning “independent.”
  • CHEPI: meaning “fairy.”
  • HURIT: meaning “beautiful.”
  • KANTI: meaning “sings.”
  • KEEGSQUAW: meaning “virgin.”
  • MAKKITOTOSIMEW: meaning “she has large breasts.”
  • KIMI: meaning “secret.”
  • NADIE: meaning “wise.”
  • NITTAWOSEW: meaning “she is not sterile.”
  • NUMEES: meaning “sister.”
  • NUTTAH: meaning “my heart.”
  • NJLON: meaning “mistress.”

   Native American names of  Miwok Tribe

  • AWANATA: meaning “turtle.”
  • HUYANA: meaning “falling rain.”
  • KALISKA: meaning “coyote chasing deer.”
  • LILUYE: meaning “singing chicken hawk that soars.”
  • LITONYA: meaning “darting hummingbird.”
  • MALILA: meaning “fast salmon swimming up a rippling stream.”

   Native American names of  Sioux Tribe

  • ANPAYTOO: meaning “radiant.”
  • CHUMANI: meaning “dewdrops.”
  • EHAWEE: meaning “laughing maiden.”
  • HANTAYWEE: meaning “faithful.”
  • MAKA: Native meaning “earth.”
  • KIMIMELA:  meaning “butterfly.”
  • MACAWI: meaning “generous.”
  • MAGASKAWEE: meaning “graceful.”
  • MAKAWEE: meaning “mothering.”
  • MAPIYA: meaning “sky.”
  • NAHIMANA: meaning “mystic.”

   Native American names of  Cheyenne Tribe

  • AYASHA: Variant spelling of Cheyenne Ayashe, meaning “little one.”
  • AYASHE: Native AmericanCheyennename meaning “little one.”
  • KEEZHEEKONI: Native American Cheyenne name meaning “burning fire.”
  • KIWIDINOK: Native AmericanCheyennename meaning “of the wind.”
  • MEOQUANEE: Native AmericanCheyennename meaning “wears red.”
  • MIGISI: Native AmericanCheyennename meaning “eagle.”
  • NAMID: Native AmericanCheyennename meaning “star dancer.”
  • ODAHINGUM: Native AmericanCheyennename meaning “rippling water.”
  • OMINOTAGO: Native AmericanCheyennename meaning “beautiful voice.”

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Native American Patterns

by Web Master on January 11, 2012

All About Native American patterns and Symbols

Native American art was inspired by nature and was used to represent spirituality. The spiritual nature of the native Indians can be clearly seen in the patterns on their clothing. The clothes were made from readily available materials such as animal bones, ivory, turquoise, feathers and even wood. Glass was later introduced by Europeans around the 18th century. Though these materials were readily available some of them had deep spiritual significance. Even though the patterns were important, the materials used to make the clothing were equally important.

The headgear is probably the most prominent part of a native Indian clothing. It was sometimes made of feathers from a turkey. However, because they considered this part of clothing sacred the feathers of the red hawk were used. The red hawk was considered to be a very sacred bird. The headgear was earned. Warriors who showed exceptional bravery were the only ones who were allowed to wear the headgear.

Another important symbol was the star symbol. This symbol is very common in Native Indian artwork. The symbol is simply a four pointed star with a cross in the middle. The star was a representation of the morning star and was it symbolized hope and the beginning of a new day. The star also symbolized spiritual purity and it will be noted that it closely resembles the symbol of a shaman. The symbol of a shaman is similar to that of the morning star but minus the four points of the star. The similarity is probably due to the fact that the shaman was seen as an intermediary between the earth and the spiritual realm.

Patterns found on bead work, baskets and other jewelry also had spiritual meanings. Different tribes had different practices so the meanings vary slightly from one tribe to the other. The patterns were used to communicate ideas, for writing as we know it was not used by Native Indians.  The patterns used on pottery and basket had certain symbolic meaning and so each basket was to be used for a specific ceremony. For example, a basket used during ceremonies to do with planting had symbols of buds or sprouting plants. It could also have the symbol of Kokopelli who was a common symbol of fertility among the native Indian tribe.

The following are some of the common patterns:

Weaving Pattern. This is a simple but common weaving pattern. This pattern is commonly found in jewelry and pottery. There are two types of this pattern. The first, Navajo, diamond shaped with a cross inside the diamond shape. There is also the Navajo storm pattern which is more complex.

Border Patterns: There are three types of border patterns. The first type has lots of spirals and patterns that somewhat resemble number . This type of border patterns is said to symbolize fertility and planting time. The other pattern resembles a series of ascending or descending steps. This border pattern symbolizes a new beginning or change. The last kind of this pattern is characterized by wave like patterns. This symbol signifies the cycle of life.

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