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Native American cultures have long believed in the importance of symbols in their rituals and ceremonies as well as in everyday life. Adornment and decoration were and still are an important way of expressing these symbols. The meanings behind these symbols have been a part of an oral tradition for many dozens of generations. Here are some of the influences which helped in the design of our earrings.

Basket Designs

The baskets and plaques of the Southwest Indians were used as awards, for decoration, in religious ceremonies for and as offerings, and in everyday life as containers. They were replete with symbols. Often taking many hours, the secrets of their intricate designs were passed down from mother to daughter. The secrets of the craft of some of the more difficult and finely woven styles have been lost.

The Mimbres Indians lived in Southwest New Mexico between 550 and 1150 A.D. During this 600 year period they enjoyed relative peace and developed an attitude of harmony with nature which was reflected in their art. They are famous for their exquisitely detailed and complex pottery designs. The variety of their subject matter encompassed both the natural world around them as well as the supernatural world. Their artistry was unequalled by any of their contemporaries.

The Hohokam Indians inhabited Southern Arizona and New Mexico from about 300 B.C. until about 1400 A.D. They are generally believed to be the ancestors of the present Pima and Tohono O'odham Indians although they influenced many of the Indian cultures of the Southwest. They developed a distinctive style of red and buff pottery with simple yet dynamic renderings of life forms.

The groups of Indians that are associated with the Great (American) Plains; the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Dakota and Lakota Sioux moved onto the Plains in the late 17th and early 18th centuries after the introduction of the horse by the Spanish explorers. These diverse groups took up a nomadic lifestyle with buffalo as their source of food and raw materials. Their expressive art included intricate beadwork and painting on hides and shields.

Totemism is a mysterious relationship between an animal and a group or individual. It reflects the basic belief in the harmony of all living things. Totem animals are guardian spirits who are helpful in one's quest for enlightenment, having some lesson to give or wisdom to impart. They are called upon in critical situations for protection and guidance. Sought in vision quests, a totem spirit appears to the supplicant in animal form, but with human characteristics, language and wisdom, as well as magical powers (medicine) which it endows on the questing soul. The totem animal will be available to the individual throughout the rest of his/her life.

This product is not Indian made or an Indian product under U.S.C. §305 et. seq.

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